Supreme Court Examines Petition to Invalidate Indo-Lanka MoUs

A petition challenging the validity of several Indo-Lanka MoUs was examined for the first time before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on June 5, 2025. Filed by representatives of national and international organizations, the petition alleges that these MoUs violate international conventions, contravene Sri Lanka’s constitution, bypass cabinet procedures, and undermine the country’s sovereignty.

The petitioners include Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara (President, Patriotic National Movement), Dr. Wasantha Bandara (General Secretary, Federation of National Organizations), Mr. Shyamendra Wickremarachchi (Executive Director, Global SriLankan Forum), Mr. Chaminda Priyadarshana (Leader, Swadeshika Jathika Viyaparaya), Dr. Asoka Kamaladasa (Convenor, Thunhela Jathika Viyaparaya), and Attorney Nuwan Ballantudawa (General Secretary, Patriotic National Front).

During the proceedings, the Attorney General’s Department raised objections. However, the Supreme Court bench informed the Attorney General’s representatives that, under the law, legal challenges to such agreements must be brought within three months of their signing, therefore, the case must be heard before this period lapses.

The petitioners contend that the public was not adequately informed about the contents of the MoUs, and that bypassing parliamentary scrutiny undermines both national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The petition seeks a Supreme Court ruling on the alleged violation of fundamental rights, an interim order to halt the implementation of the MoUs, and compensation. Citing the Sri Lankan Constitution, the petitioners emphasize that sovereignty is vested in the people and is inalienable a principle at the heart of their legal challenge.

Given the Supreme Court’s remarks on the urgency of the matter, it is expected that the petition will be examined expeditiously.

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