Parliament Approves Extension of State of Emergency

08-Mar-2026

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On March 6, Parliament debated extending the state of emergency declared by the President under Gazette No. 2477/46 of February 28, 2026 under the Public Security Ordinance. 

Following the debate, Tamil National People’s Front MP Jeyendrakumar Ponnambalam requested a vote.

The electronic vote recorded 108 in favor and 8 against, exceeding the 100-vote threshold required to approve the extension. 

Government supporters voted in favor, while the Tamil National People’s Front, Tamil Arasu Party, Democratic Tamil National Alliance, and Sarvajana Authority led by Thilith Jeyaveer opposed. Main opposition parties, including the United People’s Power, New Democratic Front, United National Party, Labour Party, and Arjuna Ramanathan’s Independent Group, abstained.