The Supreme Court today refused to grant leave to proceed with five Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the legality of the agreements on Yugadanavi power plant. 

 

Accordingly, Supreme Court five-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya decided to dismiss five Fundamental Rights petitions in limine and refused to issue notices on the respondents.

 

Supreme Court five-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Vijith Malalgoda and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya made this order pursuant to five Fundamental Rights petitions filed by several parties including Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) former Parliamentarians Sunil Hadunneththi and Wasantha Samarasinghe, Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and  Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera.

 

The petitioners have filed Fundamental Rights petitions challenging the agreements entered between the Government of Sri Lanka and New Fortress Energy Inc in relation to the sale of 40% of the shares of Yugadanavi power plant in Kerawalapitiya to a US company.

 

The petitioners had named Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Cabinet of Ministers, New Fortress Energy Inc, West Coast Power (Private) Limited, Ceylon Electricity Board, Attorney General and several others as respondents in the petition. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)