CEB gives undertaking to SC not to cut power till contempt case is taken up today

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court stating it would not impose power cuts until the contempt of court case filed by the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) was taken up for support today (03).The case was taken up before the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Yasantha Kodagoda and Shiran Gooneratne.

The HRCSL has filed a contempt of court case against the Secretary to the Power and Energy Ministry, the CEB Chairman and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman, stating they have failed to abide by an agreement reached recently. These officials agreed to ensure an uninterrupted power until the end of the Advanced Level examination on 17 February.

When the case was taken up yesterday morning, lawyers representing the CEB requested the bench to fix the case for support tomorrow as they needed more time to consult their client.

However, Justice Kodagoda noted that it was a matter of urgency.The defence attorneys were allowed to consult their client and the case was taken up again in the afternoon.

The HRCSL has alleged the CEB Chairman has committed contempt under the provisions of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996.

The HRCSL has alleged that despite the agreement to provide uninterrupted electricity during the A/L examination, the CEB willfully and maliciously disregarded the settlement and continued with the power cuts. It has said power cuts during the A/L exam is a “gross violation of a child’s right to education.”