No scheduled power cut until contempt matter is supported: CEB tells SC

• This application is to be taken up for support today

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court that no scheduled power-cut will take place until the contempt of court application against CEB and others is supported by Supreme Court.   

President’s Counsel Uditha Egalahewa appearing for the CEB gave this undertaking when a contempt of court application filed by Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was called before Supreme Court. This application is to be taken up for support today (03).   

Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) had filed a contempt of court application before Supreme Court against Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for their failing to comply with the settlement to provide uninterrupted electricity for A/L students during the exam period.  

The lawyers who appeared on behalf of the respondent parties including the CEB sought further time to get instructions from their clients.   

President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appeared for the Human Rights Commission. Uditha Egalahewa appeared for the CEB. Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprised Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Yasantha Kodagoda and Shiran Goonaratne.  

In its petition, the HRCSL alleged that the respondents have violated the provisions of the settlement arrived at before the commission with regard to the continuous supply of power during the period pertaining to the Advanced Level Examination commencing from 23rd January to 17th February 2023.  

The HRCSL maintained that the respondents including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board are guilty of the offence of contempt under the provisions of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996.  

The HRCSL further said the blatant disregard of the respondent to provide an uninterrupted electricity supply during the examination period is a violation of students’ right to education recognised as a Fundamental Right in the constitution.

• HRCSL maintained that the respondents including the Chairman of  the CEB are guilty of the offence of contempt 
• In its petition, the HRCSL alleged that the respondents have violated the provisions of the settlement arrived at before the commission with regard to the continuous supply of power during the period pertaining to the Advanced Level Examination commencing from 23rd January to 17th February 2023