Vasantha Premakumara Kudaliyanage vs Renuka Nandani Kurukulasuriya – CA/PHC/0117/2016-2024

The case between the landlord (original and successors/substituted applicants) and the tenants (Appellants) concerned the propriety of an application under Section 18A of the Rent Act regarding property at No. 98, Janapriya Mawatha, Panadura. The central legal issue involved whether the application satisfied statutory requirements relating to the building’s age and the need for redevelopment as mandated by Section 18A. It was held that sufficient evidence—comprising assessment register entries, inspection reports, and oral testimony—substantiated the claim that the building was over 40 years old and warranted redevelopment for more efficient land utilization. The court reaffirmed that judicial review of administrative decisions is circumscribed, especially where the statutory authority act