Emergency regulations extended by P’ment

Saturday, 25 May 2019 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ITAK votes against emergency

By Ashwin Hemmathagama, Our Lobby Correspondent

President Maithripala Sirisena’s proclamation to extend the State of Emergency for another month received House approval yesterday with a majority of 14 votes.

When the motion was taken up, 30 lawmakers were present in the Parliament where 22 votes were cast in favour of the motion.

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) lawmakers Mavai Senathirajah, Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Seeniththamby Yoheswaran, S. Shritharan, Kaveendiran Kodeeswaran, Charles Nirmalanathan, Gnanamuthu Srineshan, and Shanthi Sriskandarasa voted against the extension of the State of Emergency. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna lawmakers were not present for the vote.

President Maithripala Sirisena extended the State of Emergency for another month by issuing Gazette Extra Ordinary no. 2124/10 of 22 May, which was presented in Parliament for approval on Wednesday.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, President Sirisena held it was necessary to extend the State of Emergency in the interest of public security, the preservation of public order, and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community.

“By virtue of the powers vested in me by section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance Chapter 40 as amended by Act, No. 8 of 1959, Law No. 6 of 1978 and Act, No. 28 of 1988, do by this Proclamation declare that the provisions of Part II of that Ordinance will come into operation throughout Sri Lanka on and after 22 May,” he held. (AH)