Opposition slams govt. for imposing emergency

Opposition political parties today came out against the imposing of emergency and urged the government to reverse the decision.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the emergency imposed under the National Security Ordinance does not have any relevance to the current situation. “The distribution of essential commodities have run into trouble because of inefficacy and due to bad management. Distribution of essential goods have not come to standstill because of any security reasons. Therefore imposing an emergency is not relevant at this moment,” he said.

“Therefore we urge the government to reverse the decision to impose emergency and make use of Disaster Management Bill of 2005 which is more appropriate for today especial when there is a pandemic situation,” he added.

TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran also expressed similar sentiments where he said emergency laws would give more power to the President and the government.

“Government should have got a health emergency Bill approved by Parliament,” he said.

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara who had a different view said one has to be practical rather than imposing regulations under various laws. “One has to take practical steps to ensure smooth distribution of essential items. Laws seem to be not followed in this country and the government is losing its control,” he said.

“Government should hand over the state machinery to capable persons,” he added.