FR petition filed against Ranil over phosphate sales

The petition challenges Lanka Phosphate Limited’s decision to sell 10,000 metric tons of Eppawala Rock Phosphate (ERP) to three private companies—D.M Traders, Disaru International Engineering Company, and Ichiban (Pvt) Limited—at prices allegedly far below global market rates. The petitioners claim the transaction resulted in significant financial losses to the government.

According to the petition, on July 6, 2023, Lanka Phosphate Limited sent a letter to the Additional Secretary (Primary Industries) of the Ministry of Industries, expressing its intention to sell the phosphate to the above companies and recommending the issuance of export licenses—despite lacking the legal authority to make such a request. The letter also urged coordination with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) for the necessary permits.

Respondents named in the petition include the GSMB, former President Wickremesinghe, Cabinet Ministers of the former government, and several officials involved in the transaction.