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Oppn member votes for Lankan government's proposal

In a sign of the turmoil in Sri Lankan politics, opposition United National Party member Ronnie de Mel on Thursday defied the party whip and voted in favour of a government motion for the extension of emergency in parliament.

Parliament approved, by voice vote, the extension of emergency in the country for another month. Emergency was imposed throughout the island in June 1998. Parliament has to approve its extension every month.

Earlier, participating in the debate, Ronnie de Mel said he could not oppose the motion as the country was still facing a security threat from separatist forces. The former finance minister said his conscience did not permit him to act as per the party directive, to oppose the motion, at a time when the country was entangled in a war.

Winding up the debate, Deputy Defence Minister Anuruddha Rattawatee said the brutal acts of terrorists are not confined only to the north and east. The killing of a senior cabinet minister near Moratuwa, some 15 km south of Colombo, last month was ample proof, he said.

UNI

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