Manuel v. Wijewardena – sllr 1984 volume 1 page 072

The case between Plaintiff Manuel and Defendant Wijeawardena addressed whether the Rent Board possesses jurisdiction to determine disputed tenancy questions upon application for a certificate of tenancy, and the evidentiary standing of such certificates. It was held that the Rent Board is empowered to adjudicate contested tenancy matters and that its certificate of tenancy constitutes only prima facie, rather than conclusive, evidence of tenancy. The findings established that the Board of Review’s consideration, where only factual issues are involved, does not render a legally effective decision. The District Court’s judgment was set aside accordingly, with costs awarded and the matter remitted for trial on the remaining issue. This decision reaffirmed principles underpinning the Rent Act