Emergency extended; PM says LTTE is still at large

Wednesday, 6 July 2011 00:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Parliament yesterday extended the Emergency Regulations for another month with a majority of 56 votes. The bill received 95votes in favour with 36 votes against it.

The main opposition United National Party, the Tamil National Alliance, and Democratic National Alliance voted against the extension.

The Prime Minister D.M Jayaratna arguing for the resolution told parliament that some LTTE members who fled during the final stages of the war are still at large and search operations are underway to locate them.

Jayaratna told the parliament that even though the war against the LTTE is over there are attempts by some groups to revive the conflict once again.

The Prime Minister also expressed fear that separatist groups may attempt to convince the rehabilitated ex-combatants to take up arms again. However, the government has taken measures to prevent the former cadres being drawn into terrorism again, he said.