Armed forces to continue maintaining public order

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday issued a Gazette notification calling on the armed forces to maintain public order across the 25 districts and adjacent territorial waters of the country. 

The armed forces were mobilised earlier to aid in maintaining law and order during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the move is a precautionary measure to be better prepared if the COVID-19 situation deteriorates. 

The Extraordinary Gazette was issued by the President by virtue of the powers vested in him by Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40). Accordingly, the Army, Navy and the Air Force are empowered to support law enforcement agencies. (AF)