Kapuru Hamyge Siriwardena, Iranganie Siriwardena v. Manawalage Kapuruhamy Kapuru Hamyge Wimalratne – COURT OF APPEAL NO: 1052/99-2000

The case between Kapuru Hamyge Siriwardena, Iranganie Siriwardena, and Manawalage Kapuruhamy, Kapuru Hamyge Wimalratne, addressed the issue of whether the Plaintiffs-Appellants acquired title to the subject land through adoption or any recognized legal mode. It was held that the Plaintiffs failed to establish title by inheritance, prescription, or paper title, and had not satisfied the requirements under the Adoption of Children Ordinance. The principle reaffirmed was that, in a rei vindicatio action, the burden lies on the plaintiff to prove valid title, and the action fails if that burden is not met, irrespective of the defendant’s proof of title. This decision relied on established property law principles, emphasizing that insufficient compliance with statutory and evidentiary requireme