The Supreme Court on Thursday (11) granted leave to proceed with a fundamental rights petition, filed by Attorney-at-Law Vijitha Kumara, which alleges that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) violated the fundamental rights of the public by failing to take proper action over a nearly Rs. 2.5 million electricity bill, allegedly incurred for the wedding of MP Namal Rajapaksa, and remained unpaid for several years.

The petition argues that while the CEB acts swiftly, and strictly, to disconnect electricity, even for minor non-payments, or delays, by ordinary consumers, it took no such action in this high-profile case, thereby creating an unfair double standard and violating the fundamental rights of the general public.

The case was called before a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli.

Appearing for the petitioner, Attorney-at-Law Thishya Weragoda noted that, although the electricity bill, in question, has now reportedly been settled, possibly by a third party, the public has the right to know who paid it, especially as the matter involves the misuse of public resources.

He further submitted that the CEB’s conduct, treating the wealthy and powerful differently from ordinary citizens, amounts to discriminatory and arbitrary action, and urged the Court to consider this petition solely with the aim of securing a judicial declaration that a violation of fundamental rights had occurred.

The Ceylon Electricity Board has been named as the respondent in the case.

by AJA Abeynayake ✍️