Walpita v. Dharmasena and Others – sllr 1980 volume 2 page 183

In the case between Walpita (plaintiff) and Dharmasena and others (defendants), the court addressed whether a presumption of ouster arises from long and continuous divided possession of land and evaluated the validity of title claims based on adverse possession and documentary evidence. It was held that the longstanding divided and exclusive possession, proven through documentary records and supported by legal precedents, gave rise to a presumption of ouster that defeated the plaintiff’s claim to title. The decision reaffirmed the principle that long-term exclusive possession by co-owners may exclude other co-owners’ interests, especially where documentary evidence and absence of a definitive crown grant preclude contrary claims. The case emphasized that stable, adverse possession over fou