Parliament of Sri Lanka extended the state of emergency by another month

Asian Tribune - Sri Lanka Bureau Colombo, 09 July, (Asiantribune.com): Government of Sri Lanka extended the State of Emergency by another month with a 97-vote majority on Tuesday. At a vote requested by TNA's R. Sampanthan, 111 members favored the motion for the extension, while 14 opposed. All government affiliated parties voted in favor of the motion and the UNP was absent at the time of vote. The State of Emergency gives wide powers to the security forces and police to carry out operations against the terrorism. Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka, moving the motion told parliament that it is a requirement to extend the emergency due to current situation in the country. Mr; Wickremananayake, further said Parliament that during the last month 112 security personnel and policemen and 43 civilians had been killed, while... [read full story]