By: Isuru Parakrama
March 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s nationwide State of Public Emergency has been extended for a further month, following a directive issued under the authority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The formal notification, released by Presidential Secretary Dr N. S. Kumanayake, confirms that the extension is intended to support ongoing recovery efforts after the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has disrupted several parts of the island in recent weeks.
Authorities indicated that the continuation of emergency provisions will enable the government to act swiftly in safeguarding communities, restoring stability, and preventing further deterioration of living conditions in affected regions. The move is also aimed at ensuring that relief operations and reconstruction work proceed without administrative delays.
In tandem with the extension, the government has renewed regulations designating a broad range of public sector functions as essential services. This includes operations carried out by state institutions, local authorities, and cooperative bodies, all of which are considered critical to maintaining day-to-day life.
Key sectors such as electricity generation and distribution, fuel and gas supply, healthcare delivery, and public transport will remain under essential service status. Officials say this measure is necessary to guarantee uninterrupted access to vital services while the country continues to recover from the cyclone’s aftermath.
