The proposal to impose emergency regulations was passed by a majority of 81 votes in parliament, today.
The proposal received 132 votes in favor while 51 opposed the proposal. Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Tamil National Alliance and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna voted against the proposal.
Taking part in the debate, Minister Douglas Devananda said that even powerful countries are facing challenges due to the pandemic. Therefore, he said that government’s program to control Covid should be supported without trying to get narrow political gains.
Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar said that introducing emergency regulations to control food, is an obstacle to the tourism industry. He said that their party would stand up for the democratic rights of the people.
Taking part in the debate, Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said it is suitable to use emergency regulations to defeat trade terrorism.
M.P. Anura Kumara Dissanayake said if consumer protection laws are not strong, they should be made stronger. He said that he opposes bringing in emergency laws under the pretext of protecting the public.