Petition against Gota, Mahinda, Basil fixed for July 5

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Fundamental Rights petition filed seeking an order directing the authorities to take legal action against the main culprits responsible for the current economic crisis in the country was yesterday fixed for July 5 by the Supreme Court.   

The Supreme Court has already 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. Attygalle and Cabinet of Ministers who were functioning in the Cabinet when the alleged impugned decisions were taken.  
When the petition came up before the Supreme Court five-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, the counsel who appeared for the petitioners informed that the Court is yet to receive several documents from the Central Bank. However, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank informed Court that it has already handed over these documents as per the order given by the Court.   

The Supreme Court had also issued an order directing the Auditor General to conduct an audit and submit a report on the Monetary Board’s decision to maintain the Sri Lankan Rupee at around 203 against the US Dollar and delay in seeking facilities from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Auditor General was further ordered to conduct an audit on the matters relating to the settlement of International Sovereign Bonds to the value of US$ 500 million on January 18, 2022, utilising foreign reserves.   

Three university academics Dr. Athulasiri Kumara Samarakoon, Dr. Mahim Mendis Soosaiappu Neavis Morais, Sri Lankan swimmer and coach Julian Bolling, former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International and Jehan Canaga Retna filed these petitions urging authorities to take legal action against the main culprits responsible for the current economic crisis.  

Upul Jayasuriya PC, Chandaka Jayasundera PC, Vishwaka Peiris and S.A. Beiling appeared for the petitioners. Romesh de Silva PC appeared for the Monetary Board. Navin Marapana PC appeared for Basil Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa. Shavindra Fernando PC, Anura Meddegoda PC, Nihal Jayawardena PC, Manohara de Silva appeared for several other respondents.