News
SC issues notices to Power Minister, others over FR petition on Rs 3bn loss from irregular tender
By A.J.A Abeynayake
The Supreme Court has issued notices to Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody and several other respondents in connection with a fundamental rights petition alleging that the government is set to incur a loss exceeding Rs. 3 billion due to irregularities in the awarding of a solar power plant tender in Siyambalanduwa, Athimale.
The petitioner claims that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had called for tenders to construct a 100-megawatt solar power plant, but the contract was awarded to a higher bidder, disregarding the lowest bid, resulting in a significant financial loss to the state. The Supreme Court issued the order on Thursday (20) and directed that notices be sent via courier service by 24 February, at the expense of the petitioner. The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja and Sampath B. Abeykoon.
According to the petition, a company that offered to supply electricity at USD 0.08 per kilowatt-hour was overlooked in favour of a bidder offering USD 0.122 per kilowatt-hour. The petitioner, Milinda Prasanna Madugalla, stated that he learned of the decision through media reports on 21 January 2025. The petition further alleges that the company awarded the contract later agreed to provide electricity at USD 0.08 per kilowatt-hour, but the government had also agreed to cover additional transmission facility costs over a ten-year period, significantly increasing expenditure.
Although the electricity supply cost was eventually reduced, the substantial increase in transmission charges has resulted in an estimated loss of Rs. 3.3 billion to the government. The petitioner argued that this financial burden would ultimately be borne by the public, making the respondents’ actions unlawful and a violation of fundamental rights.
During the hearing, Senior Counsel Suren Fernando, representing the petitioner, urged the court to treat the matter as urgent and allocate an early date for further proceedings. He informed the court that notices had already been issued to all respondents and relevant parties, along with supporting documents.
However, only a Deputy Solicitor General representing the Attorney General, listed as the 10th respondent, was present in court. The remaining nine respondents or their legal representatives failed to appear.
The Supreme Court has issued notices to Minister Kumara Jayakody, the Ceylon Electricity Board, Rividenavi (Pvt) Ltd, Lakdanavi Ltd, WinSports Ltd, Blue Circle (Pvt) Ltd, Athimale Plantations (Pvt) Ltd, Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, and Cabinet Secretary W.M.D.L. Fernando.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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