Sri Lanka Declares State of Emergency, Cites Violence Threat
With the government still embroiled in a civil war against Tamil rebels, President Chandrika Kumaratunga has proclaimed a nationwide state of emergency that gives her sweeping powers.
The president’s office said it had information that the guerrillas are “preparing to perpetrate acts of violence” during elections in June.
The declaration, imposed Thursday but not announced until Monday, gives the military wide powers to arrest and jail suspects without trial. The president can also impose laws without parliamentary approval, curb press freedom and ban political meetings.
The opposition criticized the move as an attempt to curb political activity. “I don’t see the need for extending or declaring emergency--unless they feel they cannot win an election without the use of thuggery,” said Ranil Wickramasinghe, chief of the opposition United National Party.
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