IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA Rev. Omalpe Somananda Thero, Sri Jinaraja Viharaya, Danvilana, Veyangoda.

Petitioner-Petitioner-Appellant SC/APPEAL/206/2012 WP/HCCA/GAM/10/2010/REV DC GAMPAHA 38834/L Vs.

Rev. Ratmale Sri Somarathna Thero, Sri Poorwaramaya, Naiwala, Veyangoda.

Substituted Plaintiff-Respondent-

Respondent Before: Hon. Chief Justice Murdu N.B. Fernando, P.C.

Hon. Justice E.A.G.R. Amarasekara Hon. Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena Counsel: Manohara De Silva, P.C. with Harithriya Kumarage for the Appellant.

Rohan Sahabandu, P.C. with Pubudu Weerasuriya for the Respondent.

Argued on: 24.10.2024 Written Submissions on:

By the Appellant on 28.02.2013 and 13.12.2024 By the Respondent on 20.02.2013 and 12.12.2024 Decided on: 14.03.2025 Samayawardhena, J.

This case has a history spanning thirty years. The plaintiff filed this action against the defendant in the District Court of Gampaha by plaint dated 08.08.1995 seeking, inter alia, a declaration that he was the Viharadhipathy of Jinaraja Viharaya in Veyangoda, and the recovery of damages from the defendant until the plaintiff is restored to possession. The defendant filed answer seeking dismissal