Colombo, August 4, 2025 — The Supreme Court today dismissed two fundamental rights petitions seeking to annul seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) recently signed between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India. The petitions were dismissed without examination after lengthy consideration by a Supreme Court bench.
The bench, composed of Justices Achala Wengappuli and Priyantha Fernando, delivered the ruling following submissions by the petitioners and the state.
The petitions had been filed by a group including noted scholar Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara and members of the Viyathmaga organization, who raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the agreements. The petitioners sought a court order to invalidate the MoUs, which cover cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and security.
Despite the detailed objections, the court chose not to hear the substantive claims, allowing the MoUs to remain in effect.
The Sri Lankan government views the agreements as vital for strengthening bilateral ties with India, a key regional partner, and for advancing national development priorities.
Reactions from the public and political commentators remain divided, with some expressing support for closer ties with India, while others continue to question aspects of the agreements.
The ruling marks a notable judicial decision on a matter of considerable diplomatic significance between Sri Lanka and its neighbour.
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