The extension of the state of public emergency will be presented to Parliament for approval on 6 January, the Ministry of Defence stated, following the issuance of a Gazette notification further extending the emergency with effect from yesterday (29).

The Gazette Extraordinary, issued by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, formally extends the state of public emergency declared in Sri Lanka.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (retired) Aruna Jayasekara said that the matter has already been included in the Parliament Order Book and would be taken up for approval when Parliament meets on 6 January.

Under constitutional provisions, the President may declare a state of emergency only for a period of one month at a time. Any extension must be approved by Parliament within one week of its proclamation, failing which it automatically lapses.

The state of emergency was initially declared on 28 November, 2025, by President and Defence Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake through Gazette Extraordinary No. 2464/30, following widespread natural disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The proclamation cited the need to ensure public security, maintain public order, and safeguard essential supplies and services.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised concerns over certain provisions in the emergency regulations. HRCSL Member and Commissioner Attorney Nimal G. Punchihewa recently said that some clauses appear inconsistent with constitutional provisions and the Commission would submit its observations to President Dissanayake. He stressed that emergency powers must be exercised strictly within constitutional limits.