BASL asks in SC why govt was importing steel with Indian credit instead of essentials

By Chitra Weerarathne

Uditha Egalahewa, President’s Counsel yesterday told the Supreme Court that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka wanted to know why the Indian Credit Line to Sri Lanka was being used to import steel instead of essential commodities.

 Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle President’s Counsel, who appeared for the Attorney General, told the Court that he had already filed affidavits from the Secretaries to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Power, referring to the progress they had taken to supply the necessary medicines and to solve the power cuts.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a Fundamental Rights Violation petition has complained that the power cuts, hindered the surgeries in hospitals. The lives of the patients are at risk.

The petitioner, the Bar Association, has also complained that there was a shortage of LP gas and essential foods such as milk powder.

ASG Nerin Pulle PC, said that he would consult the Finance Ministry and inform the Court shortly.

The case will be next called on May 12.

The bench comprised Justice Preethi Padman Soorasena, Justice Janak de Silva, and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena.