Fonseka vs Jayawickrama – clr volume 2 page 134

The case between Fonseka (landlord) and Jayawickrama (tenant) addressed the legal sufficiency of notices to quit in the context of a monthly tenancy. It was held that, for a monthly tenancy commencing on the first day of the month, a valid notice to quit must be clear and imperative, and must be served before the commencement of the calendar month intended to be terminated, thereby affording the tenant a full calendar month for alternative arrangements. This reaffirmed the principle that statutory or customary requirements necessitate such notice, relying on relevant precedents, including decisions such as Creasy’s case. The decision established that ambiguous or untimely notices are ineffective, and the tenant cannot be compelled to vacate without proper notice, impacting the standards fo