Jun 07, 2022 MR made respondent in proposal to import 50 double cabs

The Attorney General had informed the Supreme Court today (07) that he would no longer act in accordance with the Cabinet Memorandum submitted for the importation of vehicles in 2021 for new Members of Parliament.

A fundamental rights petition was filed today challenging a cabinet paper on several issues, including the importation of 50 double cabs for the novice MPs.

Counsel for the petitioner stated that they were satisfied with the notice and sought leave to withdraw the petition. Accordingly, the Supreme Court allowed the petitioner to withdraw the petition and subsequently dismissed it.

The petition was filed by the JVP Central Committee Member Mahinda Jayasinghe.

Further, the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the then Cabinet, including the Attorney General, were among the 31 respondents.

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had submitted a Cabinet Memorandum on 18/05/2021 for the importation of 50 double cabs, 50 water bowsers and 50 ambulances for the new Members of Parliament and letters of credit were also opened for their importation.

The petition also sought an order declaring the relevant cabinet paper illegal and seeking its invalidation.