The Government will lift the ongoing state of emergency, in force for the past six years, from September 8.
Some provisions relating to curbing terrorism and related matters now in force and needed to be retained, the Sunday Times learns, will be enforced through new legislation that is expected to include amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The government plans to introduce such legislation within the two weeks following September 8.
Government sources said yesterday the State of Emergency was due to come up for renewal in Parliament on September 8. On this day, these sources said, there would be no resolution moved for a further extension by one month.
However, a proclamation is likely to be issued extending it for two weeks to only facilitate the passage of legislation. This will not require a debate in Parliament. In terms of the Constitution, the debate has to take place within 30 days of the proclamation being printed in the Government gazette.
The current phase of the state of emergency was introduced after then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated in 2005.
The resolution is moved monthly in Parliament by the Prime Minister and the proclamation made by the President under the Public Security Ordinance is read out. |
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