2026-02-06 / Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations under Public Security Ordinance 2026-02-06
## Summary
Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody spoke in support of extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing the extension is necessary exclusively to support disaster recovery following Cyclone Ditva. He outlined the scale of the disaster, which affected 22 districts, caused approximately 650 deaths, left 173 persons missing, triggered over 1,250 landslides, and resulted in 6,018 houses fully destroyed and 108,000 partially damaged — contrasting its breadth with the 2004 tsunami. The Deputy Minister cited the practical utility of emergency powers, specifically noting they facilitated rapid cross-agency deployment of geologists — including from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the University of Peradeniya — to address an NBRO staffing shortage for landslide assessment. He called on Opposition members to support the extension, referencing Gazette Extraordinary No. 2464/30 of 28 November 2025 as the legal basis for the proclamation, and noted that NBRO's statutory framework had been strengthened under the current Government.
Madam Deputy Chairperson, we are discussing the extension of Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance. For long periods in the past—under those now in Opposition—this country was governed under emergency with suppression of protests, media and political opponents. Today’s extension is solely to support people affected by Ditva.
Consider the scale: the 2004 tsunami devastated our coastline and caused about 30,000 deaths, but its physical impact zone was relatively narrow. Ditva affected 22 districts severely and the remainder to some degree. It delivered extraordinary rainfall; some locations received over 600 mm, contributing to rapid reservoir rises and floods—e.g., impacts downstream of Kotmale due to necessary safety operations. Critically, central highland soils became saturated, losing bearing capacity and triggering over 1,250 landslides and slope failures—both natural and man-made cuts. About 111,000 people were directly affected; approximately 650 deaths and 173 missing have been recorded.
Accordingly, the President issued Gazette Extraordinary No. 2464/30 of 28.11.2025 proclaiming the Emergency and appointing a Commissioner-General of Essential Services. Political authorities across Government, as well as many Opposition Members, the public service and especially the Tri-Forces, contributed immensely.
The Essential Services Commissioner-General enabled swift cross-agency mobilisation. When NBRO initially had a shortage of geologists for landslide reporting, geologists from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, the Water Resources Board and other agencies were released, and even final-year geology undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya were engaged—facilitated by directions issued under the Emergency. This is precisely why these powers matter.
NBRO’s legal framework has also been strengthened under this Government. I urge the Opposition to support this extension to complete recovery—6,018 houses fully destroyed and 108,000 partially damaged require sustained, coordinated action.
Thank you.