SJB goes to court challenging New Fortress LNG deal

COLOMBO (News 1st); The General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya filed a Fundamental Rights application with the Supreme Court on Thursday (21), challenging the government decision to transfer 40% of the Kerawalapitiya Power Plant to a US firm.

The Prime Minister, The Cabinet of Ministers, The Cabinet Secretary, Finance Secretary, New Fortress Energy Inc., and the Attorney General were named as the respondents among others.

In addition, a group led by Venerable Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero also filed a Fundamental Rights application against the government decision on the same matter.

Earlier, the head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, and Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thero filed a Fundamental Rights Application with the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent the transfers of shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to New Fortress Inc.

In addition, the FR application seeks an order to prevent the government from awarding the LNG supply contract to New Fortress Inc.

This FR application sought to make null the decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers on the said agreement on the 6th of September and prevent the agreement from being enforced until the examination of the application is concluded.