State of Public Emergency Extended as Essential Services to Continue

COLOMBO (News 1st) -The state of public emergency, imposed in line with the prevailing situation has been extended once again, as signed by the Secretary to the President.

According to the Extraordinary Gazette Notification, the state of public emergency will come into force from March 28. 

The notification states that the extension is necessary to ensure public safety, maintain normalcy in the country, and safeguard supplies and services essential for public life.

The state of public emergency was first declared on November 29 following the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The President had earlier assured that no action would be taken to violate the civil rights of the people during this period.

Meanwhile, the Gazette Notification also extends the list of 15 essential services. These include electricity, fuel, health services, transportation, roads, water, food, district and divisional secretariats (including field officers), ambulances, the Central Bank, state banks and insurance services, irrigation, telecommunication and media services, low-lying land reclamation, agriculture and agricultural insurance.