The Supreme Court today directed the Attorney General to formulate a plan to procure and distribute fuel in consultation with the relevant stakeholders to identify the areas that should be given priority in fuel distribution.
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Mahinda Samayawardena and Arjuna Obeysekera directed the Attorney General to submit this report before July 12.
The Supreme Court made this order following two Fundamental Rights petitions filed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) regarding the current economic crisis.
On a previous occasion, the Supreme Court had granted leave to proceed with these two petitions.
The Court granted leave to proceed in terms of Articles 11, 12(1), 13(4), 14(1)(g) (h) and 14A of the constitution.
The BASL is seeking orders directing the Cabinet of Ministers to immediately consult with all the relevant stakeholders and independent experts to formulate and implement policies to provide uninterrupted access to essential goods and services to the people including LP gas, and fuel, electricity, milk powder, medicines and food.
These petitions were filed by the President of the BASL Saliya Pieris PC, Deputy President Anura Meddegoda PC, former Secretary Rajeev Amarasuriya, Treasurer Rajindh Perera and Assistant Secretary Pasindu Silva.
