COLOMBO; The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Thursday. Sept 11, granted permission to proceed with a fundamental rights petition filed over the non-payment of an electricity bill exceeding Rs. 2 million for MP Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding ceremony.
The petition claims that the failure to settle the amount on time with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights of the Sri Lankan public.
The petition was filed by Attorney-at-Law Vijitha Kumara, and was taken up before a bench comprising Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli.
Appearing for the petitioner, Attorney-at-Law Thishya Weragoda stated that the petition was submitted due to the non-payment of electricity charges for the wedding event, which were due to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
He further noted that although the amount has now been settled, the petition seeks a judicial declaration on whether the delay in payment constituted a violation of the fundamental rights of the public.
Counsel representing the respondents also informed the court that the outstanding amount has been paid in full.
After considering submissions from both parties, the Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with the petition.
The petitioner emphasized that the Rs. 2 million+ electricity bill was only paid after the petition was filed, and argued that the CEB’s failure to recover such a large sum in a timely manner—while routinely disconnecting power for ordinary citizens over minor delays—amounts to a serious breach of public trust and fundamental rights.
The petition calls for a judicial declaration that the CEB’s unusual enforcement practices violate the basic human rights of the people.
