L. G. J. De Silva vs Paranahencharige Siridiyas – SC APPEAL NO 171/2010-2025

In the case between the Landlord (Petitioner-1st Respondent-Appellant) and the Tenant Cultivator (1st Respondent-Appellant/Respondent), the court addressed whether the Tenant Cultivator’s payment of rent via money orders, posted on 29-04-1995 ahead of the due date (30-04-1995), constituted timely and valid payment under Section 18 of the Agrarian Services Act. The dispute followed the Landlord’s refusal to accept cash, the Tenant Cultivator’s compliance by money order, and the subsequent return of those funds by the Landlord, who then sought termination of the tenancy for alleged arrears. Upon review of statutory interpretation, the timeline of events, and prior judicial findings, the Supreme Court concluded that payment by the Tenant Cultivator was valid and compliant with statutory oblig