Senthils was further directed to refrain from interfering with the activities of the GSMB.

The Court of Appeal today further extended its stay order.

preventing Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman from interfering with the functions of the Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau (GSMB).

The petitioner, GSMB, maintained that the Governor’s directives had obstructed the operations of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), which had previously granted a mineral exploration licence in the Trincomalee district to a company called Midwest Heavy Sands Ltd.

When the petition came up for notice returnable on the respondents, the petitioner, Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau, moved to extend the stay order.

After considering the applications made by the respondents, the court directed the respondents to file their statements of objection and counteraffidavits thereafter. The counsel appearing for the Minister of Environment, under whom the GSMB functions, informed the court that the Minister agrees with the GSMB's legal position as opposed to that of the Governor. The matter was fixed for argument on November 3.

Faiszer Musthapha PC and Counsel Pulasthi Rupasinghe appeared for the petitioner GSMB; Kalinga Indatissa PC appeared for the Governor, Eastern Province; and Manohara De Silva PC appeared for the Minister of Environment.