Mallika Seelawathie Gunawardane vs Sudirikku Hennedige Bandulasena – CA L.A. APPLICATION NO.514/97 F -2015

In the case between Mallika Seelawathie Gunawardane (substituted by Wickramatilake Gunawardane) and Sudirukku Hennadilage Bandulasena (substituted by Sudirukku Hennedige Athula Priyadarshana De Silva) and the Commissioner of National Housing, the court addressed the issues of entitlement to ejectment, arrears of rent, and damages under the Rent Act. The court determined that the plaintiff was entitled to the relief sought, finding that the burden to prove payment of arrears rested with the defendant, notice under the Rent Act had been sufficiently given, and mere co-ownership of property did not bar relief. The decision relied on statutory interpretation of the Rent Act and relevant legal precedent, emphasizing that landlords may recover possession if statutory conditions are met and that