Herathpathirannehelage Ranjan Herath vs Ushettige Vinodanie Preethika Dayadarie Perera – SC APPEAL: 80/2016-2022

In the case between Ushettige Vinodanie Preethika Dayadarie Perera (Plaintiff/Respondent) and Herathpathirannehelage Ranjan Hera/Herath (Defendant/Appellant), the court addressed whether a party, having failed to file an answer on court-fixed dates, had “reasonable grounds” under Section 86(2) of the Civil Procedure Code to justify default. The proceedings examined the appellant’s inability to file an answer, the legal significance of a letter marked “V1” suggesting the respondent would withdraw the action, and whether the quantum of damages awarded could be questioned in the context of a purging default inquiry. It was held that mere reliance on informal correspondence did not constitute “reasonable grounds,” and that parties are obliged to give proper instructions to their attorneys when