Parliament to debate and vote on Emergency today

Parliament will meet at 10.00 am today (27) to take up the proclamation on the state of emergency declared by the Acting President under the Public Security Ordinance for a vote after debate until 4.30 pm.

This proclamation was made by the then Acting President through the Special Gazette No. 2288/30 dated July 17, 2022 and according to the legal provisions, if the approval of the Parliament is not obtained within 14 days for the said proclamation, it will be cancelled.

 It is stated in the gazette that this proclamation has been issued in accordance with the powers vested in the President in terms of the Public Security Ordinance to ensure public security and the protection of the public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community.

 Wajira Abeywardena, who was nominated by the UNP to the Election Commission to fill its National List seat, which fell vacant due to the swearing in of its incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President, is scheduled to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament this morning, parliament sources said.