Sri Lanka: ‘Bait and Switch’ on Emergency Law
The Sri Lankan government announced that the state of emergency is over, but it is holding on to the same draconian powers it had during the war. Governments that have called for the repeal of the emergency powers should not be fooled by this cynical "bait and switch."
(New York) – Emergency regulations lifted in Sri Lanka do not affect existing and new laws that allow the government to detain people for long periods without trial, Human Rights Watch said today.
The Sri Lankan parliament, at the request of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, allowed emergency regulations in place nearly continuously since 1971 to expire on August 31, 2011. However, the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and other laws and regulations permitting detention without charge for up to 18 months leave an abusive detention regime in place, Human Rights Watch said. And proposed legislation will allow the authorities to continue to detain more than 6,000 people now held under emergency regulations
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New proclamation for military deployment
THURSDAY, 08 SEPTEMBER 2011
By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera
Three forces in all districts to maintain law and order
Govt. rejects call for removal of PTA and PSO
By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera
Three forces in all districts to maintain law and order
Govt. rejects call for removal of PTA and PSO
A week after the lifting of emergency regulations, the government yesterday issued a new proclamation under the Public Security Ordinance allowing for the deployment of the army, navy and air force in addition to the police for the maintenance of law and order in all districts of the country.
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody read out the gazette notification issued by President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the Public Security Ordinance.
by President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the Public Security Ordinance.
United National Party MP Dayasiri Jayasekara took the government to task over the new proclamation and said in this context the lifting of emergency regulations was merely eyewash.
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