Fernando vs. Perera – sllr 2013 volume 1 page 234

In the case between Fernando (landlord) and Perera (tenant), the court addressed the issue of whether repairs performed by the tenant—including the replacement of Sinhala half‐round roof tiles with asbestos cement sheets and the lowering of the wall height—constituted a structural alteration amounting to deterioration of the rented premises under Section 22(1)(d) of the Rent Act No. 7 of 1972, as opposed to a useful improvement. It was determined that these actions were not mere improvements but resulted in deterioration of the property by altering its external appearance and diminishing its commercial value. This decision relied upon expert evidence and relevant precedents, emphasizing that tenants are obligated to avoid alterations that impair the structure and value of the leased premis