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Top officials acting illegally
By Chris Kamalendran
Though tough emergency laws have lapsed, the security forces and top civil administrators are continuing to take over vehicles and buildings. This is being done amidst reports that another gazette notification is to be issued to reintroduce tough emergency laws and then continue the provisions with approval from parliament every month as required by the constitution.

Public Security Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake said yesterday emergency regulations promulgated by the President in January had lapsed and the government would inform Parliament when it meets on Tuesday. But district secretaries and the security forces apparently unaware that the regulations have lapsed are continuing to take over vehicles or buildings under emergency regulations.

Galle District Secretary G. Hewavitharna said he believed the regulations were in force and were helpful in streamlining tsunami relief work. In the adjoining Matara district, the situation was similar with the District Secretary H.G.S. Jayasekara saying the emergency regulations were useful and he believed he could continue to use them.

He said he was using the tough laws to get additional staff and vehicles. The emergency regulations were promulgated by the President on January 4 but the constitution required that parliamentary approval must be obtained within 14 days. That did not happen and the regulations lapsed.

Military spokesman Daya Ratnayake said military coordinating officers in the 14 affected districts believed the emergency regulations were still in force and could be made use of to maintain essential services and security. Under the emergency regulations, security forces personnel were given powers to break open any place, vehicle or vessel and to arrest persons.
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