SC dismisses cases against SLT privatization

ECONOMYNEXT –The Supreme Court has declined leave to proceed and dismissed cases filed by several individuals and a trade union against the planned privatization of Sri Lanka Telecom.

Samagi Sevaka Sangamaya, a trade union; Nethsiri Jayatilleke, a lecturer; Gunadasa Amaraskera, Wasantha Bandara, doctors and Nuwan Bellanthuduwa, a lawyer had petitioned court that the planned privatization infringed their fundamental rights and endangered national security.

Deputy Solicitor General Rajiva Gunathilake had argued that there was no basis to say that privatization is a threat to national security as the UK and many other countries have privatized telecom operators.

Gunathilaka had argued that there was no basis to argue that privatization will be detrimental to shareholder or customers and any benefits will flow to them and sought the petitions to be dismissed.Supreme Court Justices Murdu Fernando, Kumudini Wickramasinghe, and Priyantha Fernando, dismissed the petitions.