SC to hear FR petition challenging Lyca Group acquiring 11 plus media on March 27

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

A Fundamental Rights petition challenging Lyca Group’s indirect acquisition of the 11 plus media and broadcasting licenses, filed by social activist Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, was heard by the Supreme Court yesterday.
The petitioner claims that the Lyca Group violated Sri Lankan law in acquiring the 11+ media and broadcasting licenses, including those formerly owned by EAP Group, and has also raised concerns about a serious national security threat.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Gamini Amarasekera, Justice Kumudini Wickramasinghe, and Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna granted permission for some of the respondents to file limited objections. 
The matter was scheduled for a hearing on leave to proceed on 27th March 2025.

Subaskaran Allirajah, his wife Prematharshini Allirajah, Govindasamy Jeyaseelan, and Niruthan Rajasundaram were among the 60 respondents named in the petition.

President’s Counsel Uditha Egalahewa, along with Attorney-at-Law N.K. Ashokbharan, appeared for the petitioner.
Sanjay Rajaratnam PC, Shavendra Fernando PC, Chandaka Jayasundara PC, and Saliya Peiris PC appeared for several respondents.