PARLIAMENT

The Proclamation on the state of emergency declared by the Acting President under the Public Security Ordinance was approved in Parliament today (27) by a majority of 57 Votes with 120 voting in favour and 63 voting against it.

Parliament convened today at 10.00 am and the debate started after the Leader of the House, Minister Susil Premajayantha, presented to the Parliament the resolution regarding the declaration of state of emergency announced by the Acting President under the Public Security Ordinance. At the end of the debate, which continued until 5.20 pm, Chief Opposition Whip Hon. Lakshman Kiriella asked for a division and accordingly the voting was held.

The Acting President has declared that the provisions of Part 2 of the Public Security Ordinance shall come into operation throughout Sri Lanka from July 18, 2022 through the Proclamation dated 17.07.2022 under Section 2 of the aforesaid Ordinance.

It further states that Parliament is duly informed in terms of Article 155(4) of the constitution that the purpose of the above Proclamation is to the protection of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community.

According to the Public Security Ordinance, this Proclamation will be valid for a period of one month if approved by the Parliament within 14 days. If the approval of the Parliament is not obtained within 14 days, it will be cancelled. Also, the state of emergency can be extended once every 30 days with the approval of the Parliament.