Supreme Court orders Sampur status quo to be retained until 16 June

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered that the status quo to be maintained until it decides on granting leave to proceed and interim relief in Fundamental Rights application filed by Sri Lanka Gateway Industries Ltd., challenging President Sirisena’s gazette notification revoking the release of land in Sampur for its project.

Previously the SC issued a limited stay order suspending the gazette notification operative till 21 May. The matter is to be considered for leave to proceed and interim relief by the SC on 15 June. 

The bench comprised Chief Justice K. Sri Pavan, Justice Priyantha Jayewardene and Justice Upali Abeyratne.

Under the previous regime, a mega project including an industrial zone with an investment by $ 4 billion by the Sri Lanka Gateway Industries was approved leading to a State grant made to Board of Investment which land was in turn leased to the investor.

Seven persons who claimed to be residents of Sampur and petitioners in SCFR 309/2012 has made an application seeking permission of SC to intervene in the matter. On the application of the Counsel for the petitioners in SCFR 309/2012, the SC ordered that SCFR 309/2012 is also to be taken up for support on 15 June along with SCFR 167/2015 filed by the investor. 

M.A. Sumandiram appeared for the persons claimed to be residents in Sampur area. Gamini Marapone PC with Uditha Egalahewa PC, Sanjeewa Jayawardene PC, Navin Marapone and Ranga Dayananda appeared for the petitioner. Ronald Perera PC appeared for the BOI and Viraj Dayarathne, Deputy Solicitor General appeared for the Attorney General.