Prez instructs armed forces to maintain security

President Maithripala Sirisena, who discontinued the state of emergency, has issued a separate regulation under the same law to summon the armed forces for active service if and when necessary in all the administrative districts of the country.
The state of emergency was declared for the first time after the terrorist attack on April 21 that killed more than 250 people and was extended every month by issuing proclamations under the law and approved by Parliament.
The state of emergency for the last one month lapsed on August 22, but the President did not issue any fresh proclamation for its extension for another period.
A source informed that a separate declaration was made under the Public Security Ordinance by the President to summon the armed forces when necessary to maintain public order, which was notified to the parliamentary authorities yesterday.
Unlike the proclamation for the state of emergency, there is no parliamentary approval needed for this regulation, which has been done in terms of the powers vested with the President under the Public Security Ordinance.  (Kelum Bandara)