President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of emergency with effect from midnight today.
The state of emergency gives the police and the security forces power to arbitrarily arrest and detain people.
President’s office said that decision was to ensure public security and maintain essential services so as to make sure a smooth functioning of the country.
“Under no circumstances @GotabayaR will you hold this country down with nothing but fear & violence. The state of emergency runs counter to seeking any solution to the crisis. JUST RESIGN.” Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa tweeted after State of Emergency declared.
