SC postpones hearing of Yugadanavi FR petitions by over 10 religious and civic leaders, politicians

The Supreme Court yesterday postponed the hearing of the Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed against the agreement to vest 40% shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya to US-based New Fortress Energy Inc.

Accordingly, the consideration of the petitions was postponed to 19, 20 and 21 January.

The petitions were filed by over 10 persons including Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, SJB General Secretary and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, former JVP MPs Sunil Handunnetti and Wasantha Samarasinghe.

The petitions state the decision reached by Cabinet to transfer 40% of shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to an American firm was unjust.

The petitions name 54 respondents including the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Public Utilities Commission and its Chairman, Ceylon Electricity Board and its Chairman, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and its Managing Director, West Coast Power Ltd., New Fortress Energy, USA and the Attorney General. 

The five-judge-bench that will rule on this matter comprises Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Vijith Malalgoda and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya. The Supreme Court bench decided to postpone the hearing as Judge L.T.B. Dehideniya, who is part of the bench that is considering the petitions, was not present yesterday. 

The agreement signed on 1 September 2021 includes the handing over of 40% shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya to US-based Fortress Energy Inc.