SC rejects request by Human Rights Commission

Order directing uninterrupted power supply during A/L exam

The Supreme Court yesterday refused to issue an interim order sought by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) directing the Ceylon Electricity Board to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the period of the Advanced Level examination.

Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Gamini Amarasekara, Kumuduni Wickremasinghe and Shiran Goonaratne made this order when the contempt of court application filed by the HRCSL was called before Supreme Court for support.

President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appearing for the HRCSL moved Court that an order be issued directing the CEB to further extend its undertaking regarding the power cut.

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appearing for the CEB raised objections for the request and said the undertaking was given until the matter was supported before Court. He said there is no necessity of further extending the undertaking since the matter was taken up for support.

Meanwhile, Upul Jayasuriya PC alleged that CEB has violated the provisions of the settlement arrived before the Human Rights Commission with regard to the continuous supply of power during the period pertaining to the Advanced Level examination commencing from 23rd January to 17th February 2023.

However, the Court was informed that the representative of the CEB Chairman had given their consent for uninterrupted power supply before HRCSL, subject to obtaining board of directors’ approval.

Justice Gamini Amarasekara questioned the petitioner HRCSL as to how it expects a relief from the respondents while accusing them for contempt of court.