Jalenthi Lekamlage Karunaratne Vs. D.P.L. Albert Silva and others – CA 481/2000-2000

In the case between Jalenthi Lekamlage Karunaratne (Plaintiff-Appellant) and Peduru Liyanaralalage Dilrukshi Olu Silva (Substituted Defendant-Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the Plaintiff established valid title to land in a rei vindicatio action. It was held that the Plaintiff failed to discharge the burden of proof required to vindicate title since the evidence did not demonstrate proper execution or registration of the Plaintiff’s deed, and the Defendant’s opposing claim traced back to an earlier valid transaction from a common predecessor in title. The principle reaffirmed was that the burden rests with the Plaintiff to prove ownership and entitlement to possession, relying on statutory requirements under the Evidence Ordinance and established case law, emphasizin