The government announced today that Sri Lanka’s state of emergency will not be extended beyond this month, ending the extraordinary measures first enforced in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, addressing the post‑Cabinet media briefing, said the decision to implement the state of emergency was initially taken following discussions with opposition parties soon after Cyclone Ditwah.
He noted that while some groups had attempted to create fear by suggesting the emergency law could be misused, the government had implemented it solely to support renovation and development in areas affected by the cyclone.
“We assured that it would not be used to inconvenience any citizen, journalist, or media institution, and we have worked as promised,” Jayatissa said, reflecting the administration’s commitment to limiting emergency powers.
The spokesman emphasized that the government has no expectation of extending the emergency law further, underscoring that its use was temporary and strictly tied to disaster recovery efforts. (Newswire)