Colombo: State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene said the state of emergency was lifted as the security of the country has been restored.
Responding to a question posed by journalists after a function in Biyagama today, the State Minister said the removal of the state of emergency does not threaten the security of the country.
“We extended the state of emergency last month for another month to provide the security needed for the Kandy Perahera. The police also requested the assistance of the Army. That’s why we extended the state of emergency for another month. Now the security situation is under control. There is no need to extend the state of emergency,” he said.
The State Minister said continually extending the Emergency has a big impact on tourists coming to the country.
“We had discussions with the Army Commander and the IGP. Everyone agreed that it was the right time to remove the state of emergency.”
The Minister was participating as the chief guest in a function held in Malwana area to name a road in honor of former Army Commander General Hamilton Wanasinghe.
Parliamentarian Harshana Rajakaruna and several others were present on the occasion.
Source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19B/Aug25_1566744947CH.php
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