Sri Lanka’s decision to extend the state of emergency for yet another month has sparked fresh debate, with the opposition questioning whether such extraordinary powers are truly necessary to provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The concerns arise against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s long history of prolonged emergency rule—periods that have often lasted years at a time—raising fears that the current extension may follow a similar trajectory.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara expressed alarm over the reactivation of Section 19 of the Public Security Ordinance through the latest gazette.
“Section 19 prohibits the spreading of rumours and false information by any means, including electronic and digital media,” he noted. “Given Sri Lanka’s past, where emergency regulations were frequently used to curb dissent and media freedom, is the government now attempting to suppress the press under the cover of disaster management?”
Mr. Jayasekara also referred to comments made by Minister of Media Nalinda Jayatissa, who recently stated that the government was prepared to ban any media outlet at any moment. “In the context of these regulations, such remarks cannot be ignored,” he emphasized.
He pointed out that the gazette also introduces restrictions on movement under Section 15 of the ordinance, enabling authorities to limit entry into specified areas or institutions. “Why,” he asked, “are such sweeping powers required to restore normalcy following the Ditwah disaster? Sri Lanka has seen emergency provisions extended repeatedly in the past for reasons unrelated to public security. Are we heading down that path again?”
Responding to these concerns, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya assured Parliament that the regulations would be used strictly to expedite recovery efforts after the cyclone.
“Emergency laws will not be used to suppress anyone or any protest,” she said. “Our focus is on enabling rapid action, particularly in relocating schools and private residences damaged by the storm.”
Minister Vijitha Herath added that the existing Disaster Management Bill lacked provisions for the swift mobilization needed to support those affected by Ditwah, making emergency regulations necessary.
Despite the criticism, the motion to extend the state of emergency passed comfortably, with 106 MPs voting in favor and only two opposing, giving the government a majority of 104 votes.
(Source – Daily Mirror)