Electricity and Renewable Energy Association vs Ceylon Electricity Board – CA WRIT/37/2023-2023

In the case between the Electricity and Renewable Energy Consumers Association (and associated representatives) and the Ceylon Electricity Board, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (including its Chairman and other governmental bodies), the court addressed the issue of whether the Cabinet possessed legal authority to amend the General Policy Guidelines on the Electricity Industry, including retrospective tariff revision measures. It was held that the Cabinet’s amendments fell within its statutory powers under the Electricity Act and the PUCSL Act, and that no illegality or ultra vires actions occurred during the amendment process. This decision reaffirmed the principle that statutory interpretation must allow for flexible governmental response in exigent conditions, based on operativ