Gamini Samaranayaka vs Wedikkarage Ransonona – CA PHC 77/2019-2025

In the matter of Wedikkarage Ransonona and Gamini Samaranayaka, the court addressed an appeal against a High Court order affirming a Magistrate’s decision in a land possession dispute under the Primary Court’s Procedure Act (PCP Act). The court held that the Magistrate was correct in disregarding an affidavit filed by the Appellant after being declared in default, as Section 66(8)(b) of the PCP Act likely refers to material available before a party is declared in default. This decision reaffirmed the principle that the Court of Appeal’s role is to review the High Court’s revisionary jurisdiction, not to re-evaluate the Primary Court’s order. The appeal was dismissed with costs.

Damith Thotawatte, J. – An appeal against a High Court order affirming a Magistrate’s decision in a land posse