February 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka will remain under emergency rule following a fresh extension approved by the President, reinforcing extraordinary powers first imposed after last year’s severe weather crisis.
The continuation of the State of Public Emergency takes effect from January 28, 2026 and has been formalised through an extraordinary gazette released this week. The notification bears the authorisation of the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and gives legal effect to the President’s latest decision.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake acted under the Public Security Ordinance to keep special provisions operational across the entire island. The move allows the Government to maintain enhanced controls aimed at preserving public order, supporting essential services and preventing disruptions to daily life at a time when several regions are still stabilising.
Emergency powers were first activated on November 29, 2025, shortly after Cyclone Ditwah swept across the country, leaving widespread damage to infrastructure, housing and supply chains. Officials say the extended measures are intended to ensure continuity in areas such as food distribution, transport and public utilities, while also enabling authorities to respond swiftly to any renewed risks.
Alongside the extension, the President has also introduced revisions to existing emergency regulations. These updated rules, issued under the same legal framework, will be formally known as the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations, No. 1 of 2026, and are expected to guide enforcement during the current period of emergency governance.
