News

SC fixes date to support petition challenging coal tender

Published

4 years ago

2022/09/9

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court has fixed for support on 21 October a fundamental rights violation petition filed by the Ven. Omalpe Sobitha thera in respect of a controversial coal tender.The issue of granting Interim relief will also be considered on that day.The respondents were directed to file objections prior to 25 October.

Among the respondents are the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt.) Ltd, the Technical Evaluation Committee, which is a standing Cabinet appointed Procurement Committee, and the Cabinet of Ministers.The Court also ordered that notices be sent to all the respondents about the filing of this petition prior to 21 October.The petition filed by Sobitha Thera had said that the coal tender was awarded to a party that is not a qualified bidder.

The tender has compelled the country to purchase coal for a long period of two and a half years at a price been determined at the prevalent coal price, which is at an extremely high level because of the Ukraine war.There were several unsolicited proposals as well which should have been evaluated, the petition said.

Sanjeewa Jayawardena, President’s Counsel appeared for Sobitha thera.The bench comprised Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice S. Thurairaja and Justice Mahinda Samayewardhena.

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SC rules clause in Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill inconsistent with the Constitution

Published

58 seconds ago

2026/05/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Supreme Court had ruled that Clause 34(1) of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament yesterday.

He said the Court had determined that the Bill could be passed by a simple majority in the House, provided that particular clause was amended.

News

Development Officer bids Rs. 48 mn for CPC’s V8 at auction

Published

2 mins ago

2026/05/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

In a startling turn of events, a Development Officer, serving at the Central Provincial Council, has reportedly submitted a bid of approximately Rs. 48 mn for a Land Cruiser V8 vehicle belonging to the Council, which was recently put up for auction.

The revelation that a serving government officer submitted a massive bid for such a tender—an act generally prohibited under public service regulations—has reportedly caused significant unrest within the Tender Board.

Although a month has passed since the Central Provincial Council conducted the auction for these luxury vehicles, bidders complain that top officials are intentionally delaying the process of handing over the vehicles to the successful applicants.

The Land Cruiser, which was previously reserved for the use of the Governor of the Central Province, is among several high-end vehicles offered in a recent official tender.

By S.K. Samaranayake

News

PSC appointed to report on election laws, barring those governing PC polls

Published

3 mins ago

2026/05/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

Jagath

A 12-member Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to review and report on election laws, with the exception of provisions governing Provincial Council polls.

Announcing the move in Parliament yesterday (05), Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne said the Committee would undertake a comprehensive examination of the existing electoral legal framework and submit its findings to the House.

The Committee is also mandated to propose recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency and strengthening the integrity of the electoral system.

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna has been appointed Chairman of the Committee.

The other members are Upali Pannilage, Muneer Mulaffer, Sunil Watagala, Ravi Karunanayake, J. C. Alawathuwala, Harshana Rajakaruna, Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Thushari Jayasinghe, Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran and Chandima Hettiarachchi.