2026-02-06 / Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations under Public Security Ordinance 2026-02-06
## Summary
Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha opposed the extension of Emergency Regulations, arguing that the government failed to declare an emergency during actual flood and landslide disasters in Gampola, Peradeniya, Geli Oya, Chilaw, and Mahiyanganaya, and is now invoking emergency powers not for disaster relief but to suppress growing public discontent against Ministers and MPs. He criticised the government's disaster recovery record as superficial, citing the absence of restored rail connectivity on key hill-country routes and an inability to complete basic reconstruction works. The speaker further warned that economic stagnation—evidenced by falling electricity demand in 2025 and the deterioration of SMEs under tax pressure—combined with inadequate relief for Cyclone Dithwa victims, risked producing political consequences comparable to those that brought down the Rajapaksa government. He concluded by calling on the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker to resolve institutional tensions affecting parliamentary staff and to focus on governance rather than emergency rule.
Hon. Presiding Member, we debate extending Emergency Regulations. Why extend now? You passed supplementary estimates and necessary regulations; you claim 75%, 80%, even 90% of compensation has been paid. If funds are short, say so. But this extension is not for that.
When Gampola, Peradeniya, Geli Oya, Chilaw flooded, when the Mahiyanganaya hospital flooded—no emergency was declared, denying security forces and police the tools to act swiftly. Now, like wielding a sword after the war, you bring emergency to suppress rising public anger and shield Ministers and MPs from protests. We saw the people who voted for you heckle and berate Ministers in public; it is your own voters.
You reopened only a small hill-country stretch by clearing a couple of landslides; no major reconstruction. Is there a train from Ambewela to Hatton? From Rambukkana to Peradeniya? From Peradeniya to Matale? You film TV visits but do not complete the work. If you cannot even strengthen the Kalupalama or fix basic track sections, how will you do “mega projects”? If you can’t, hand it to those who can—even foreign partners who rebuilt our northern line. Instead, you have no plan—only rhetoric. You failed to act decisively during the disaster, and now use emergency to manage public discontent.
This year will be very dark for the Government if this continues—the discontent can spread badly, just as it did against Gotabaya Rajapaksa, led by his own voters. Meanwhile, for the first time, electricity demand did not grow in 2025; it fell. That shows no new industries, no shops, no appliances, no AC homes—economic stagnation. SMEs—the backbone of the economy—have been crushed with taxes and pressure; they are not expanding or hiring. Cyclone Dithwa victims still lack a proper recovery pathway, jobs are scarce, money doesn’t reach people. Instead of solving that, you extend emergency to suppress dissent. Even during the war you opposed emergency; there’s no terrorism now. Focus on governing, not helicopter rides.
Respect the dignity of this House. The Speaker must uphold the dignity of the Chair, the Secretary-General and staff. Personal vendettas against officials have caused great resentment among parliamentary staff. The President, Prime Minister and Speaker—the top three—must resolve their issues; otherwise the country faces a grave problem.
Thank you.