Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Sri Lanka and India were fixed for June 12 by the Supreme Court yesterday (June 05).

The FR petitions were filed by a group of petitioners including President of the Patriotic National Movement Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara and Treasurer of Vinivida Foundation – Sunil Jayasundara.

When the case was taken up by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli and Menaka Wijesundera, Senior Counsel Kanishka Witharana sought the earliest possible date to support the application, citing its urgency and national significance.

The Attorney General, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and members of the Cabinet have been named as respondents.

The petitioners claim the MoUs violate the constitution and international law, alleging it was signed without Parliament’s approval, with particulars kept from the public, undermining national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition to seeking an interim injunction preventing the MoUs from being executed after ruling that their fundamental rights have been violated, the petitioners also sought  Rs.02 million in compensation from the respondents.

Several MoUs between India and Sri Lanka, including defence cooperation, were exchanged on April 05 at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Meteorology Department says several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (June 06).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaittivu districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Southern province.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Indian Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, leading a high-level delegation, held separate meetings today (Jun 05) with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). 

The meetings were also attended by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, reflecting the importance accorded to strengthening bilateral defence relations.

Discussions focused on key areas of mutual interest, including, bilateral defence cooperation, military exchanges and joint training opportunities, capacity building, collaboration in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

During the meeting the Deputy Minister of Defence, recalled the close and long-standing friendship between neighbouring India and Sri Lanka, and expressed gratitude to the people and government of India for the support they have extended in the past, especially in times of need.

When the Indian delegation met the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary at the Ministry of Defence premises, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha (Retd.) expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the continued cooperation in strengthening Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities.

In response, his Indian counterpart reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relationship with Sri Lanka and expressed firm resolve to further enhance defence and security cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Both sides agreed to continue regular high-level engagements and to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity development.

(defence.lk)