• AG ordered to conduct audit relating to the settlement of International Sovereign Bonds  

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with two fundamental rights petitions that sought an order directing the authorities to take legal action against the main culprits responsible for the current economic crisis.   

Accordingly, the Supreme Court granted leave to proceed against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Ministers Basil Rajapaksa and Ali Sabry, former Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundara, former Governors of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal and W.D. Lakshman and former Ministry of Finance Secretary S.R. Atygalle and Cabinet of Ministers who were functioning in the Cabinet when the alleged impugned decisions were taken. The Supreme Court had earlier decided to name former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a respondent in the petitions, since presidential immunity is not applicable to him following his resignation from the post of President.  
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued an order directing the Auditor General to conduct an audit and submit a report on the Monetary Board’s decision to maintain Sri Lankan Rupee at around 203 against the US Dollar and delay in seeking facilities from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).