The Supreme Court today (01 Sept) granted permission to proceed with a fundamental rights petition filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, several former Cabinet members, and other respondents.

The petition claims that during the previous government’s tenure, phosphate stocks extracted from the Eppawala deposit were exported to several favoured companies at prices significantly lower than the approved market rates, constituting a violation of fundamental human rights.

The petition was submitted by the Center for Environmental Justice.

Thirty-two respondents were named, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Cabinet members, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, its Director General, and the Attorney General.

The petition was reviewed today by a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Priyantha Fernando, and Sampath Abeykoon.

Appearing for the petitioners, Attorney-at-Law Ravindranath Dabare argued that Lanka Phosphate Ltd had acquired phosphate stocks in violation of a Supreme Court directive issued in the year 2000 regarding the Eppawala deposit.

He further alleged that phosphate was exported to several favoured companies at prices far below the global market rate per metric ton.

According to the petition, this practice resulted in significant financial losses to both the government and the general public.

The lawyer also revealed that former Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who oversaw the subject at the time, had exerted pressure on state institutions, including the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, to issue the necessary licenses for phosphate release.

After reviewing the submissions, the Supreme Court bench scheduled the petition to be heard on March 9, 2026. (Newswire)

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Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, says the government officially launched an investor call this week for the domestic production of phosphate fertilizer. 

In a statement on social media, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya said full details are available on the website linked below.

https://www.industry.gov.lk/web/current-notices/

Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya further said that to pave the way for this initiative, over 25 meetings were held to resolve necessary background issues, including regulatory frameworks, legal concerns, and various unexpected complications. 

These discussions involved ministers, officials, institutions, and the Attorney General’s Department, and the proposal was submitted to the Cabinet three separate times.

Special appreciation is due to Industry Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyaaratchi, the Attorney General and departmental officials, Industry Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, and all officials who courageously pushed this project forward despite obstacles. Gratitude also extends to all institutional representatives and experts in the field who contributed to this effort, he said.

Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya said that although Professor Oliver Ileperuma and his team completed research on this over 25 years ago, no one questioned why such a valuable project was never implemented until now. 

“While there was much public discourse in recent months about delays, despite our continuous efforts, now everyone has the opportunity to move forward. Let’s complete the next chapter of this conversation, step up for the country, contribute to this project, and invest in its future,” he added. (Newswire)

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