Extension of emergency approved amidst protest from Opposition

Says emergency laws have left bitter experiences for the Sri Lankan people during the past years 

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

State of Emergency declared after the Ditwah cyclone hit the nation in November last year was extended for another month amidst heavy criticism by the Opposition.   

The resolution was passed by a majority of 128 votes with 135 members voting for it while 7 voted against. Some 82 members were absent during the time of voting. 

The Opposition was of the opinion that the emergency is being extended monthly as a means of securing power.   

They said emergency laws have left bitter experiences for the Sri Lankan people during the past years.   

MP Nizam Kariappar wanted the government to explain as to whether there is anything in particular which it could do by using only the emergency laws. “Tell us what you could do for Ditwah victims using only the emergency laws. One could do much for the Ditwah victims using disaster laws,” the MP said.   

The government then claimed that it hopes to abolish emergency and even the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA ) as soon as possible. This assurance was given by Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala and Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala. Deputy Minister Watagala said the government’s effort to bring wrongdoers to book will not be deterred by any act of the Opposition.