• Four Fundamental Rights petitions were filed against MCC, Status of Forces  Agreement (SOFA) and, Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA)
• MCC board had also decided to discontinue the proposed MCC development assistance grant to Sri Lanka

The Attorney General yesterday informed the Supreme Court that since 2019, the government has not entered into any arrangements with relevant parties regarding the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).  

The Attorney General made these remarks when the four Fundamental Rights petitions filed against MCC, Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and, Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) were taken up before the Supreme Court.  

At previous occasion, the Attorney General had informed the Supreme Court that the government had taken a decision not to sign the controversial Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact.  

The Court was further informed that MCC board had also decided to discontinue the proposed MCC development assistance grant to Sri Lanka.  

President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena appearing for a petitioner told Court that dangerous consequences could arise if government signed the SOFA agreement.  

Taking into consideration the submissions by both parties, Supreme Court decided to lay by the petitions while reserving petitioners’ rights to resume hearings if necessary.  

Four Fundamental Rights petitions had been filed by Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), Attorney-at-Law Darshana Weraduwage and Attorney-at-law Premanath C. Dolawatte  naming the President, Finance Minister and Cabinet of Ministers as respondents.  

In its petition, the GMOA had sought an interim order staying all approvals and decisions issued by anyone in respect of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA).