Rohan Garnini Godahewa v. T.G. Gnanaratne – CA NO. 542/97 F -1997

In the case between Rohan Gamini Godahewa, S N V Nazar Ali Bahar Zaid, Minsulthan Nawal Base (Plaintiff-Respondents) and T.G. Gnanaratne (Defendant-Appellant), the court addressed whether the defendant-appellant was a licensee or a tenant protected under the Rent Act, and whether the new owner could secure ejectment from the premises. It was held that the defendant had not established a tenancy right and was merely a member of the household, affirming the District Court’s decision to grant ejectment. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that the burden rests on the party asserting tenancy rights, especially where documentary proof is lacking. Reliance was placed on the chain of title, analysis of documentary evidence, and relevant case law governing landlord-tenant relationships, confirmi