Opposition lawmaker Faiszer Mustapha has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to declare emergency law immediately in response to the “grave natural disaster” affecting large parts of the country.
The New Democratic Front (NDF) parliamentarian made the request during a meeting chaired by the President at the armed forces headquarters, where ruling and opposition lawmakers gathered to discuss the escalating crisis and ongoing relief efforts.
He noted that the government should act under the Public Security Ordinance to accelerate rescue operations and streamline assistance.
Opposition representatives at the meeting offered full support should an emergency be declared, saying such a move would help improve the effectiveness of relief and rescue services.
MP Mustapha also submitted a written proposal outlining why emergency law should be invoked, noting that while it is commonly associated with wartime or anti-terror measures, its legal scope extends to any situation threatening public safety and national security.
He said that an emergency declaration would enable swift and independent action by government agencies, empower district officials and security forces to bypass administrative procedures, and allow faster allocation of funds, equipment and essential supplies.
The proposal said emergency powers would also strengthen coordination among the military, police, health services and civilian authorities under a unified command.
Additional benefits, according to the letter, include the ability to enforce mandatory evacuations in high-risk zones, prevent looting and other crimes in disaster-hit areas, and ensure uninterrupted operation of essential services such as electricity, water, communications and transport.
Emergency measures could also help regulate the distribution of food, water, medicine, fuel and other necessities.
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