Lalitha Perera v. Pamakanthi – sllr 1987 volume 2 page 001

In the case between Lalitha Perera (plaintiff/appellant, legal owner via gift) and Padmakanthi (defendant/respondent, tenant), the court addressed the issue of whether the tenant had effectively attorned to the new landlord following a change of ownership. It was held that the tenant, having received adequate notice of the ownership transfer through registered communication and Conciliation Board proceedings, was obligated to recognize the new landlord and pay rent accordingly. The findings established that the tenant’s claim of ignorance was unsupported by evidence, and arrears owed substantiated the right to ejectment. The principle reaffirmed is that a tenant’s failure to attorn and pay rent to the notified new owner, once proper notice is established, results in liability for ejectment