The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees,

¶ 02 The purpose of the extension of Emergency brought today is to meet the challenges the country faces: on one side, the aftermath of natural calamities; on the other, the war situation developing in the Middle East and the global repercussions. Many Sri Lankans, especially domestic workers in the Middle East, and their families here, are facing severe hardship. In this context, extending Emergency is a welcome measure to manage these impacts.

¶ 03 Emergency laws were first introduced in 1953, when the price of a measure of rice was raised from 25 to 70 cents and the working class rose in protest. That Emergency lasted 29 days. Subsequently, in May 1958, another Emergency was declared during communal riots and continued for 10 months. In 1966 and 1968 Emergencies were re‑imposed and renewed. From 1979 to 1982, Emergency continued. Again in 1970, an Emergency was declared around demonetization of the Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 notes, up to 24 December. In November 1978, following a devastating cyclone, Emergency was declared. At each abnormal juncture, governments used Emergency to stabilize the country—though at times some suffered adverse consequences.

¶ 04 In the present, following Cyclone “Ditwah” and floods, the Emergency framework helped protect and rehabilitate affected people. The Prime Minister and many Ministers have clearly stated that the National People’s Power Government uses this Emergency for the people’s benefit, not as a tool of repression as past rulers did. Some Members have tried to conflate this with the PTA; that is incorrect. Today’s Motion is an Emergency extension under the Public Security Ordinance, not the PTA.

¶ 05 During this disaster, many public officers and private sector staff extended strong support—Grama Niladharis, Economic Development Officers, Disaster Management Officers, Divisional Secretaries and others. Recognizing their request that existing allowances are insufficient, steps have been initiated to enhance payments to them for at least a couple of days of additional work done.

¶ 06 Some now shed tears saying “Emergency will harm the people.” Yet when the Budget increased the plantation workers’ daily wage by Rs. 200 to be paid through the Treasury, these same forces opposed it. Today they speak for plantation workers after blocking their dues then.

¶ 07 During COVID and other disasters, similar Emergencies were declared without these same critics objecting. In the historic Poonagala–Kabaragala landslide, over 50 families lost homes and took shelter in a tea factory; this Government’s housing programme for them is nearing completion. In Poonagala, houses valued today at Rs. 7 million each are being handed over—a proud first for the up‑country community. Those who once claimed that only the majority community received benefits must now acknowledge this.

¶ 08 Therefore, this Emergency extension should be strengthened and supported.