SC fixes date to support petition challenging coal tender

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court has fixed for support on 21 October a fundamental rights violation petition filed by the Ven. Omalpe Sobitha thera in respect of a controversial coal tender.The issue of granting Interim relief will also be considered on that day.The respondents were directed to file objections prior to 25 October.

Among the respondents are the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt.) Ltd, the Technical Evaluation Committee, which is a standing Cabinet appointed Procurement Committee, and the Cabinet of Ministers.The Court also ordered that notices be sent to all the respondents about the filing of this petition prior to 21 October.The petition filed by Sobitha Thera had said that the coal tender was awarded to a party that is not a qualified bidder.

The tender has compelled the country to purchase coal for a long period of two and a half years at a price been determined at the prevalent coal price, which is at an extremely high level because of the Ukraine war.There were several unsolicited proposals as well which should have been evaluated, the petition said.

Sanjeewa Jayawardena, President’s Counsel appeared for Sobitha thera.The bench comprised Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice S. Thurairaja and Justice Mahinda Samayewardhena.