B.R. Chandrasena vs A.M. Lokubanda (Deceased) – SC APPEAL NO. 20/2010-2020

In the case between A.M. Lokubanda (subsequently substituted by Bandara Menike) and B.R. Chandrasena, the core legal issue concerned whether an action for rei vindicatio could be sustained based solely on a permit issued under the Land Development Ordinance. It was held that entitlement to possession established by a valid permit, supported by both documentary and testimonial evidence, satisfies the requirements for vindication of possession even where strict title is not present. Central to the reasoning was the statutory framework of the Land Development Ordinance, which allows for possession rights to be vindicated independent of rigid title documentation. The decision emphasized that technicalities regarding the timing or formal issuance of the permit do not undermine substantive entit