Compare the English doctrine of consideration with the Roman-Dutch doctrine of causa as applied in Sri Lanka.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. Both doctrines decide which promises the law will enforce. English law asks for a bargain; Roman-Dutch law asks for a serious intention.
2. 2 · Define consideration. A benefit to one party or a detriment to the other (Currie v Misa).
3. 3 · Rules of consideration.
   • Moves from the promisee; need not be adequate but must be sufficient.
   • Past consideration is no consideration (Re McArdle); existing duty is not enough (Stilk v Myrick).
4. 4 · Explain causa. A serious and deliberate intention to be bound; a gratuitous promise can be enforced.
5. 5 · The Sri Lankan position. Jayawickreme v Amarasuriya (Privy Council, 1918): causa is wider than consideration, so a promise made to discharge a moral duty was enforced; English rules apply where statute brings English law in.
6. 6 · Compare in a table. [Table: basis / gift promises / where it applies / leading case]
7. 7 · In Sri Lankan business. A seriously made written donation promise by a Kandy businessman may bind him through causa.
8. 8 · Close in one line. In Sri Lanka, causa is the general rule and consideration the exception.

Scoring tip: Name Jayawickreme v Amarasuriya. It is the single most Sri Lankan point in the whole contract syllabus.