Colombo (News 1st) – President Maithripala Sirisena issued an Extra-Ordinary Gazette with an order calling out all the members of the Armed Forces for the maintenance of public order across administrative districts in the country.

Sri Lanka Police stated that the decision to not extend the Emergency Regulation will not have any impact on the anti-terror investigations.
The Extra-Ordinary Gazette issued by virtue of the powers vested in the President by Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance states the Sri Lanka Army, the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force are ordered to maintain public order across all administrative districts in Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the Emergency Regulations which were imposed in the country were lifted yesterday (August 23).

Defence Secretary Shantha Kottegoda mentioned that this decision was taken considering the established security situation in the country.

Police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekera speaking to reporters today (August 24) commented on false information that had spread following the lifting of the Emergency Regulations.

He highlighted that the National Thawheed Jamaat, the Jamathei Millathei Ibrahim and the Vilayath As-Seylani Organization were banned on May 13, 2019, by Extra-Ordinary Gazette number 2321/03 and as per the legal provisions of the Prevention Of Terrorism Temporary Provisions Act. Therefore he reasoned that lifting the Emergency Regulations will not have an impact on the ban imposed on these organizations, its activities as well as the investigations taking place.
He further emphasized that the suspects arrested and detained following the April 21st attacks were not held according to the provisions of the Emergency Regulations adding that they are held by legal provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Temporary Provisions Act. He further mentioned that the decision to cease extension of Emergency Regulations will not have an impact on confiscating the property of the terrorists as well.

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