The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Today’s emergency, proclaimed on 28 December 2025 under section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance, is before Parliament for approval. Listening to speeches, I feel we must inform Parliament and the public precisely why emergency is imposed and what is done under it. Otherwise people think emergency exists only for repression. Yes, Sri Lanka has a history of emergency misuse. But we have clearly stated that this Government will not use it for repression. For a month now, emergency has been in force. During this time, the Opposition and social media launched a harsh smear campaign against the Prime Minister. Even then, we did not use emergency powers against anyone, nor do we intend to.

¶ 02 We bring this Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to address the prevailing emergency situation and to frame necessary regulations. Under emergency, certain powers shift to the Executive President, including to issue regulations. Those can be amended as needed while emergency is in force. The key point is that the power to issue regulations lies with the President; that is why emergency was proclaimed and is now before Parliament.

¶ 03 Why is it necessary? A month ago, when Dicha cyclone struck, the Leader of the Opposition and many in the Opposition urged us to declare emergency. In recognition of that support, we did so. Has the need now evaporated? No. As of now, 21,514 persons—6,592 families—remain in 225 safe centres; 198,405 persons—58,710 families—are displaced. There are 6,037 fully damaged houses and 108,476 partially damaged. We must provide essential services, care for these people, and organize their next steps. Until a permanent legal framework is in place to address such situations, we must continue the emergency.

¶ 04 Under emergency regulations, the Commissioner General of Essential Services has been appointed. Without emergency, we cannot declare essential services or appoint that office. Alternatively, we would need to pass separate legislation, which takes time. Therefore, to provide safety and relief efficiently, we have decided to extend the emergency. The Opposition is trying to twist this into a democracy issue. It is not. Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance clearly allows emergency to ensure essential services to the public.

¶ 05 What have we done against the Opposition? Nothing. They have had ample freedom. Opposition MPs visit centres and speak freely. Some even agitate people by claiming Rs. 25,000 or Rs. 50,000 is not being paid. We have already paid Rs. 25,000 and are processing Rs. 50,000. Every relief announced by the President is being delivered. Even as false claims are made to stir anger, we have not blocked anyone. For about a month of emergency, no one’s democratic activity has been curtailed.

¶ 06 Regrettably, the quality of debate is declining—irrelevant issues like education reform are dragged in. Despite protests, press conferences, and insults at the Prime Minister, we did not invoke emergency powers. Democracy has been upheld to the fullest. The will to misuse emergency is a political question; any law can be abused, but we have shown by conduct that we do not. Therefore, until the requirement abates, we must continue emergency to ensure essential services and relief.

¶ 07 Thank you.