News Today: Fundamental Rights petition against Namal Rajapaksa electricity bill sparks legal and public accountability debate in Sri Lanka.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka yesterday granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition against Namal Rajapaksa challenging an unpaid electricity bill amounting to more than Rs. 2.6 million. The case stems from electricity usage linked to the lavish 2019 wedding celebrations of the Hambantota District MP.

A two-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli allowed the petition filed by attorney Vijitha Kumara. The petitioner argued that the failure to settle such a massive bill represents unequal treatment under the law, thereby violating citizens’ rights guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the Constitution.

According to the petition, the electricity in question was supplied by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to the Weeraketiya residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The residence was the venue for Namal Rajapaksa’s wedding and multiple receptions held between September 12 and 15, 2019. Data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request allegedly confirmed that the CEB recorded an outstanding balance of Rs. 2,682,246.57 for electricity consumed during the festivities.

The respondents named in the case include the CEB, its Chairman, the Auditor General, former Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, MP Namal Rajapaksa, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, MP D.V. Chanaka, and several others. The petitioner has also requested an order directing the CEB to produce all files related to the electricity supply and calling for a comprehensive audit by the Auditor General covering the usage during the wedding period.

This petition has drawn significant public attention, as it highlights alleged misuse of public resources and accountability concerns regarding one of the country’s most high-profile political families.