The proclamation of the state of emergency was passed in Parliament this evening by a majority of 57 votes. A total of 120 MPs voted for the motion while 63 voted against it.
Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha presented the proclamation issued by then Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe when Parliament commenced at 10.00am today and the debate continued until 5.20pm, when a division was taken on the request of Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella.
The proclamation of a state of emergency was declared by the then Acting President on July 18, 2022 under the Public Security Ordinance.
If the proclamation is approved by Parliament within 14 days of its issuance, the state of emergency is valid for 30 days. If Parliament fails to approve it within the 14 days window, the emergency will lapse. Parliament can extend the state of emergency every 30 days.
First Bishop of the Batticaloa Diocese, Retired Bishop Joseph Ponnaiya, passed away today at the age of 74, following a brief illness.
The NPP government has been at the wheel for almost 6 months now. The time to keep looking at the rear view mirror and living in the past is about over.
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