DATE=5/4/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SRI LANKA GOVERNMENT (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261965
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Sri Lankan government has mobilized the
country to a war status in a bid to defeat the Tamil
Tiger rebels. Vandana Chopra reports from Colombo.
TEXT: The Sri Lankan government, in an all-out bid to
win the war against the Tamil rebels, has given
sweeping powers to the military, police and
administration.
The Public Security Act, which has just been invoked
by the government, bans all activities designed to
encourage terrorism and disrupt the normal activities
of the people. The state media says, under the Act,
the government can seize property and vehicles, and
stop sales and distribution of newspapers seen
threatening national security interests and can shut
down printing presses.
The state radio says under the Act the government has
the power to obtain the services of any person for
national security or to maintain an
essential service.
The Act was put into effect after President Chandrika
Kumaratunga met with the cabinet Wednesday to discuss
the military situation in the north where the
government forces have suffered their worst setback in
the 17-year ethnic war.
In another emergency move, the government has decided
to suspend all non-essential development projects for
three months and to use the money, that would be
saved, for the war effort.
Sri Lankan Media Minister, Mangala Samaraweera says
the country is now on a war footing.
The Tamil rebels have been fighting for a separate
homeland for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka's north
and east. (Signed)
NEB/VC/PLM
04-May-2000 04:09 AM EDT (04-May-2000 0809 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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