2026-02-06 / Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations under Public Security Ordinance 2026-02-06
## Summary
Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara spoke in opposition to extending the Emergency declared following Cyclone Ditva, arguing that the Government's own claim that normalcy was restored within six weeks contradicts its justification for continuation. He contended that the Emergency's enabling provisions — including restrictions on publications, rumours, and public obstruction — reveal an intent to suppress democratic rights, citing the arrests of four Buddhist monks remanded under Emergency powers and allegedly denied bail unless they withdrew a fundamental rights petition, as evidence of abuse.
The speaker raised substantive concerns regarding cyclone relief, noting that 173 persons remain missing without death certificates needed for compensation claims, that 5,988 fully destroyed homes lack adequate resettlement solutions, that agricultural losses estimated at USD 814 million have gone largely uncompensated, and that relief distribution has been politically partisan. He further alleged that cheques issued by the President during relief distributions were returned due to insufficient funds, questioned the legality of such conduct, and rejected Government claims that the Opposition obstructed Grade 6 education reforms. The speaker announced the Opposition would vote against the Emergency extension.
Madam Deputy Chairperson, this debate is on extending the Emergency. The Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence said the situation was brought back to normal within six weeks after the Ditva cyclone. It is now over two months since the cyclone. If things are back to normal, why an Emergency?
In the past, Emergencies were imposed when armed groups threatened the State—during the 1988–89 JVP period and throughout the conflict with the LTTE. No one opposes assisting those affected by Ditva; the Opposition and the people helped before the Government did. But why an Emergency now?
The Hon. Deputy Minister said the Emergency is needed to get officials to work. Do we need an Emergency to make officials work? That can be done under normal law. I have the Gazette of 28.11.2025 declaring the Emergency; it lists reasons such as controlling dissemination of publications, and prohibiting communication of rumours or false statements. This shows an intent to curb democratic rights—silencing criticism and protests under the pretext of cyclone relief.
The Gazette also provides that any person who, without lawful authority, obstructs a public road, bridge or culvert commits an offence. No one is obstructing—people have the right to protest. When we were in Government, the JVP protested daily and undergraduates often took to the streets. You are now using Ditva to clamp down on dissent.
We saw doctors and health workers protest; university students protested; electricity workers protested over restructuring and compensation. Is the Emergency being extended to suppress such protests?
In Trincomalee, citing an issue around a Buddha statue, four Buddhist monks were arrested—remanded under the Emergency, we are told. They have reportedly contracted fever in prison; bail has been denied unless they withdraw a fundamental rights petition against the Police. Is this the rule of law? I call on the IGP and the Ministers in charge to inquire and ensure justice.
The cyclone caused 646 deaths; 173 are still missing. Families cannot receive compensation for the missing without death certificates—what measures are you taking? There are 5,988 houses fully destroyed; have you allocated proper resettlement and ensured temporary shelter? Many families are still with relatives. You handed out Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 to some and claimed “all relief has been given.” Camps are being closed while some still have nowhere to go. In Nuwara Eliya I saw families being asked to rent houses, but the Rs. 25,000 rent allowance isn’t being paid; landlords demand six months’ key money. Provide real solutions.
Agriculture suffered colossal losses—World Bank estimates say USD 814 million. How much compensation have you paid farmers? Many say they received nothing.
There have been partisan distributions—at Bibile, relief was given only to JVP supporters; officials say they face political pressure and some have withdrawn from duties. This is unjust. Two months have passed—have you identified safe lands for relocation? If not, do it urgently.
Now the President is travelling handing out cheques; some have been returned due to insufficient funds. Issuing cheques that bounce is an offence. Is the President committing an offence?
The Prime Minister said the Opposition is to blame for halting Grade 6 education reforms. But on 04 January 2026 the Government itself admitted faults—modules withdrawn and investigations started. You cannot scapegoat others. Media freedom is also under pressure, and that is why you want to extend the Emergency. We oppose it and will vote against it.