Supreme Court dismisses FR petitions challenging Emergency Regulations after Cyclone Ditwah

Friday, 27 February 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed two Fundamental Rights petitions filed against President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s decision to promulgate Emergency Regulations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

The petitions were heard before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe and Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere.

Following submissions, the Court declined leave to proceed and dismissed the applications in limine.

Appearing for the Attorney General, Additional Solicitor General Shanil Kularatne submitted that the Emergency Regulations had been issued in anticipation of an emergency situation arising in the country. He argued that the President’s constitutional authority to act in such circumstances should not be restricted.

Counsel Suren Fernando and Thishya Weragoda appeared on behalf of the petitioners.