SC dismisses FR petitions challenging President’s Emergency Regulations

Colombo, Feb. 26 (Daily Mirror) - Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s decision to impose Emergency Regulations following Cyclone Ditwah were today dismissed by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.

The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe and Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere.

After considering the submissions, the Supreme Court refused leave to proceed with the petitions and dismissed them in limine (at the outset).

Additional Solicitor General Shanil Kularatne, appearing for the Attorney General, informed Court that the Emergency Regulations were promulgated by the President in anticipation of an emergency situation in the country, and that the President’s authority to take decisions during such emergency situations should not be curtailed.

Counsel Suren Fernando and Thishya Weragoda appeared for the petitioners.