header logo
Asia asset finance
Mogo Academy
Latest
State of emergency will not be extended - Defence Secretary
Aug 23, 201906:17 PM
State of emergency will not be extended - Defence Secretary
Mobitel Inner

Secretary of Defence General (Retd) Shantha Kottegoda says that the state of emergency will not be extended in Sri Lanka once again. 

 

This brings to an end a four-month state of emergency declared after Easter suicide bombings by extremists that killed 258 people on April 21.

 

President Maithripala Sirisena has been extending the emergency on the 22nd of each month since the Apr 21 attacks on three hotels and three churches.

 

However, his office had also confirmed to foreign media that the President had not extended it for another term and thereby allowed the emergency to end on Thursday.

 

The official government printer also confirmed that there was no notification reimposing the state of emergency, which gives sweeping powers to police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

 

The government used the emergency as it tightened security across the country and hunted members of a local extremist group which was held responsible for the attacks and which claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group.

 

Police have said that all those directly responsible for the suicide bombings have either been killed or arrested.

 

Tourism Minister John Amaratunga had also hinted yesterday that the emergency would be terminated.

 

 

 

MostRead
Mobitel Upahara
VideoStories
“Dengue threat will persist for four weeks "Total number of infections in 2026 surpasses 61,000

“Dengue threat will persist for four weeks "Total number of infections in 2026 surpasses 61,000

“Govt. must be held accountable for loss of life ”Independent probe called into Negombo Prison Clash

“Govt. must be held accountable for loss of life ”Independent probe called into Negombo Prison Clash

“Belittling honors bestowed on war heroes unacceptable” - Gammanpila on remarks by AG Dept. official

“Belittling honors bestowed on war heroes unacceptable” - Gammanpila on remarks by AG Dept. official

Death toll in Negombo Prison Clash climbs to 26 Justice Minister accepts responsibility for incident

Death toll in Negombo Prison Clash climbs to 26 Justice Minister accepts responsibility for incident

Negombo Prison Violence: Two dead, 28 hospitalized;  Drug kingpin linked to deadly clash?

Negombo Prison Violence: Two dead, 28 hospitalized; Drug kingpin linked to deadly clash?

“Many insults are being hurled at Buddhist monks” Asgiri Chief Prelate calls for unity among clergy

“Many insults are being hurled at Buddhist monks” Asgiri Chief Prelate calls for unity among clergy

Agriculture Minister links excess rice consumption by public to high rate of diabetes in Sri Lanka

Agriculture Minister links excess rice consumption by public to high rate of diabetes in Sri Lanka

Dengue cases continue to soar as deaths rise to 39; PHIs intensity operation against dengue

Dengue cases continue to soar as deaths rise to 39; PHIs intensity operation against dengue

 Prices of multiple food items reduced from midnight today

Prices of multiple food items reduced from midnight today

Several farmers continue protests, demanding fair guaranteed paddy prices

Several farmers continue protests, demanding fair guaranteed paddy prices

Dengue cases continue to spike across several districts of the island

Dengue cases continue to spike across several districts of the island

Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda granted bail on two surety bonds

Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda granted bail on two surety bonds

Rakitha Rajapakshe, Charith Abeysinghe and another further remanded until July 17

Rakitha Rajapakshe, Charith Abeysinghe and another further remanded until July 17

Opposition Leader accuses Govt. of failing to honour its election promises

Opposition Leader accuses Govt. of failing to honour its election promises

Agriculture Minister vows to implement all possible measures to address farmers' concerns

Agriculture Minister vows to implement all possible measures to address farmers' concerns

Lassana Flora