SC grants leave to proceed with FR challenging Namal’s controversial electricity bill

BY Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed by a lawyer seeking an order directing the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to produce before Court all relevant files maintained by the CEB regarding an alleged unsettled electricity bill amounting to Rs. 2.6 million, in connection with the supply of electricity to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in Weeraketiya.   
The petitioner said it is public knowledge that Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding was held on or about September 12, 2019 and a series of receptions were held at the Weeraketiya Residence to celebrate the said momentous occasion.   
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli, granted leave to proceed with the petition, which alleges a violation of Fundamental Rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution.   
The petitioner, Vijitha Kumara, an Attorney-at-Law representing the Polonnaruwa Bar Association, filed this petition naming the CEB, its Chairman, the Auditor General, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, MP Namal Rajapaksa, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, MP D.V. Chanaka, and several others as respondents.   
The petitioner is further seeking an order directing the Auditor General to provide a comprehensive Audit report into providing electricity by the CEB during the period September 12, 2019 to September 15, 2019 to the Weeraketiya Residence.   
The Petitioner states that it was publicly disclosed that pursuant to a Right to information request, it has been revealed that a sum of Rs. 2,682,246.57 was due and outstanding for a wedding held at the private residence of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2019.   
The petitioner said it is public knowledge that Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding was held on or about September 12, 2019 and a series of receptions were held at the Weeraketiya Residence to celebrate the said momentous occasion.   
The Petitioner states that being a public spirited individual, he became curious as to how Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding was funded by public funds.   
Counsel Thishya Weragoda appeared for the petitioner.