A.Iddagoda Vs. J.P.J.Annesley Perera and others – CA 366/97-1997

In the case between S.A.P.P. Padma Perera and others (substituting for J.P.J. Annesley Perera, Plaintiff-Respondents) and A. Iddagoda of Kapila Bakery (Defendant-Appellant), the court addressed the issue of alleged arrears of rent for premises No. 13 Averiwatta Road, Wattala, after 1st September 1981, and the Defendant’s entitlement to recover rent paid above the standard rent. It was held that the Defendant failed to establish payment of rent after 1st September 1981 and did not substantiate the claim of overpayment above the standard rent, reaffirming the principle that the burden of proof lies on the party asserting payment or overpayment in rent disputes. The decision relied on the credibility of documentary evidence and the absence of supporting records from the Defendant, emphasizing