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Lanka bans meetings, processions

The Sri Lankan government has banned public meetings and processions in the country until May 22 under the new emergency regulations.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga issued an order to this effect yesterday.

Under the emergency regulations promulgated on May 3, the country has been placed on war footing giving sweeping powers to the armed forces and police. The local as well as the foreign media have been brought under censorship under a competent authority.

Meanwhile, Ariya Rubasinghe, director information who has been appointed competent authority, said the media should adhere to the emergency regulations.

several political parties, political organisations and trade unions have protested against the government's ''suppressive regulations.''

The Peoples' Liberation Front said in a statement that they have decided to protest against the regulations and called for restoration of democracy.

The main opposition United National Party has also called for immediate withdrawal of the emergency regulations. ''The immediate necessity is to strengthen the security forces and rebuild confidence among the fighting cadres by appointing efficient military officers,'' the party said in a statement.

UNI

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