Watagala’s threat to Freedom of Expression

FOLLOWING the severe devastation caused byCyclone Ditwah, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a State of Public Emergency across the country.

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The Government justified the move based on the necessity of ensuring delivery of essential services as well as carrying out relief activities in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in the contemporary history of Sri Lanka.

Among others, the emergency regulations given broad powers of search, seizure, arrest, and detention without warrant for persons suspected of involvement in various offences under specified sections of the penal code, particularly offences related to violence, damage to property, or threats to public order. The administration views that such sweeping powers are necessary to accelerate disaster response in view of the havoc and mayhem experienced by many parts of the country, affecting thousands of families.