FR petitions challenging Yugadanavi deal to be supported on Dec 16 and 17

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court yesterday fixed for support on 16 and 17 December the fundamental rights violation petitions filed against the government decision to hand over 40 percent of the shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to New Fortress Power Company Limited of New York, US, along with a monopoly over supplying LNG.

The petitions say that the project has violated the right to equality of the citizens of Sri Lanka at present and of generations to come.

Among the petitioners are the Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and some office-bearers of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.

Among the respondents are the Prime Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers, The West Coast Power Company of Colombo who owns the Yuganadivi and the Attorney General. The respondents were given time till 06 December, to file limited objections to the petitions. The counter objections are to be filed by the petitioners thereafter.

The five-Judge bench hearing the petitions comprise Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda and Justice L. T. B. Dehideniya.