The President’s pronouncement came within hours after a Police curfew was re-imposed in Digana and extended to the Pallekele Police division yesterday, following the tense situation on Monday.The PMD explained that a State of Emergency had to be declared as a result of riotous and unruly acts of violence which had occurred over the last two weeks, causing damage to life and property.These incidents have caused various tensions and conflicts between religious and ethnic groups with attacks on religious places and vehicles being carried out, they observed further.

The President noted that these acts have not subsided and whilst some of these incidents had taken place as a result of the ongoing commotion, some had been well planned.

As a measure to control this situation, it has been deemed necessary to bring to effect Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance.The PMD stated that this would bring back the situation to normalcy, security and ensure the supply of essential services to these areas.The Police and Army have now been given authority to stabilize the situation within the legal frameworks of the Ordinance.

The President has also directed the Security Forces to take action against any persons creating conflict, regardless of their ethnicity, religious background or party affiliation.

He has also informed them that they should enforce the law in the interest of the people, with least disruption to public life and without violating human rights.