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Parliament to debate state of emergency today, SJB to oppose

27 Jul 2022

The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, announced yesterday (26) that it would vote against the proclamation of the state of emergency declared by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Acting President under the Public Security Ordinance, when it is taken up for debate in Parliament today (27). Parliament, set to convene at 10 a.m. today, will hold the debate until 4.30 p.m. The SJB in a press release said that the party unanimously decided to vote against the state of emergency, as it stifles freedom of expression and freedom of protest. This proclamation was made by the then-acting President through Special Gazette No. 2288/30 dated 17 July 2022. According to the legal provisions, if the approval of the Parliament is not obtained within 14 days for the said proclamation, it will be cancelled. It is stated in the gazette that this proclamation was issued in accordance with the powers vested in the President in terms of the Public Security Ordinance to ensure public security and the protection of the public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community. Meanwhile, Wajira Abeywardena, who was nominated by the Election Commission as the National List member of the United National Party (UNP) for the MP seat left vacant due to the swearing-in of current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, will be sworn in as an MP today, as well.


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