Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency across the island following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The deadly cyclone, which has now exited the nation, left more than 120 people dead, prompting urgent measures to manage the aftermath.
According to an official gazette dated Friday and released on Saturday, November 29, the state of emergency comes after an all-party meeting in which opposition leaders urged the President to take immediate action. The doctors’ trade union had also submitted a letter highlighting the necessity of such a declaration to address the crisis effectively.
Authorities said the emergency regulations will help accelerate relief and rescue efforts. This includes the rapid deployment of troops, police, health personnel, civil administration, and the civil defence force to provide aid and restore normalcy amid the ongoing challenges posed by the cyclone.
