State of Public Emergency extended

THE Government yesterday extended the State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka, according to an Extraordinary Gazette notification.

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The proclamation was issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake exercising the authority conferred on him under 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.

Accordingly, the provisions set out in Part I of the Public Security Ordinance will remain in force across the island.

The State of Public Emergency was first declared on 28 November in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

These regulations grant the authorities sweeping powers aimed at safeguarding national security, public order, and ensuring the delivery of essential services amid ongoing weather disaster conditions.

Under the new framework, the President may appoint by name or by office individuals or officials as 'competent authorities” to carry out various emergency functions, either for the entire country or for specified areas. This delegation can also be extended to Ministers or other authorised persons as needed.