The extension of the State of Emergency and new regulations under the Army Act were passed by the Parliament yesterday (8) with 111 members voting for the motions and 14 against.

The single UNP member Ranjith Aluvihare present at the time of the vote abstained while the JVP and JNP voted with the government. SLFP rebel Wijedasa Rajapakshe also voted with the government.

The TNA was the single party opposing the motions while SLMC and SLFP (M) member Mangala Samaraweera were absent.

The JVP at last month’s motion to extend the emergency said they will not vote for it but yesterday they said they are voting to appreciate the services rendered by the valiant members of the Armed Forces and out of their love of the motherland.