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In a historic move, the majority judges of a five- member Supreme Court bench have rendered a decision following the hearing of two fundamental rights petitions, holding several prominent figures, including former President Gotabaya Rajapakse and key financial officials, liable for the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
The verdict asserts that the individuals, who held crucial roles in the government and financial institutions, mishandled the situation, leading to severe economic consequences and the violation of people’s fundamental rights.
The implicated individuals named in the ruling include former Finance Ministers Mahinda Rajapakse and Basil Rajapakse, former Central Bank Governors Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Professor W.D. Lakshman, as well former Finance Secretary S.R. Attygalle and former President’s Secretary Dr P.B. Jayasundara. Additionally, members of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka ( CBSL) Monetary Board were also held accountable.
The petitions, filed by a group led by the former president of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, Chandra Jayaratne, along with Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) activists Jehan Canagaretna and Julian Bolling , sought an investigation into those responsible for ongoing economic crisis in the county.
The ruling comes at a crucial juncture as Sri Lanka grapples with severe economic challenges, prompting citizens and advocacy groups to seek accounts for the crisis.
The petitioners, through Chandra Jayaratne, emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain responsibility for the economic turmoil that has adversely impacted the lives of citizens.

• Last year, Sri Lanka grappled with its worst economic crisis since independence as US Dollar shortages and shrinking reserves, together with an infamous organic fertiliser policy, led to crop failures and severe shortages of food and fuel.
• People took to the streets to protest, eventually forcing a change in leadership as the economy nearly came to a halt and inflation surged. The protests led to resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapakse and long-term politician Ranil Wickramesinghe being appointed the new President.