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

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.

- BY LAKMAL SOORIYAGODA

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.