Niriellage Jayamini Keerthisheeli et al. v. Niriellage Shanthi Mangalika Upasena Niriella – SC APPEAL 179/2014-2014

In the case between Niriellage Jayamini Keerthiseeli, Niriellage Dhammadevamittha Upasena alias Devamittha Upasena Niriella, and Niriellage Aruna Kumara Upasena alias Kumara Upasena Niriella (Plaintiffs) versus Niriellage Shanthi Mangalika Upasena alias Shanthi Mangalika Upasena Niriella (Defendant), the court addressed whether a constructive trust was improperly found in favor of the Plaintiffs despite their lack of legal standing, and if the principles of trust law supported a finding that the Defendant held the property in trust. The court held that the Defendant did not hold the property on trust for the Plaintiffs, determining that clear evidence—including the Notary Public’s testimony—established the donor’s intent to make an irrevocable gift, thereby precluding any trust relationshi