Colombo, Sept. 27, 2025 – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued an Extraordinary Gazette summoning the Armed Forces across the country to assist in maintaining public security, Parliament was informed today by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
The directive, which came into effect on September 27, 2025, was issued under Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance, granting the President authority to call upon the Army, Navy, and Air Force to act in support of the Police in ensuring law and order.
A Recurring Practice by Successive Governments
While the decision underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining stability, the practice itself is not new. Successive Sri Lankan administrations have regularly invoked the Public Security Ordinance, summoning the Tri-Forces through Extraordinary Gazette notifications as a precautionary measure against potential threats to national security and public safety.
The move has often been justified as necessary to strengthen the capacity of the Police in dealing with large-scale security operations, particularly in times of heightened political, economic, or social tension.
Implications for Governance and Public Perception
President Dissanayake’s use of the gazette is likely to spark both support and debate. On one hand, it demonstrates the government’s proactive stance in safeguarding stability at a time of ongoing reforms and social pressures. On the other, frequent reliance on military assistance raises questions about the adequacy of civil policing and whether the state is becoming overly dependent on the armed forces for public security.
Observers note that this measure will be watched closely by civil society, opposition parties, and international stakeholders, particularly with regard to its implementation and the extent of military involvement in civilian affairs.
Continuity in Policy
Despite representing a political shift in leadership, the current administration’s reliance on this provision reflects continuity with past governments. It signals that while Sri Lanka is undergoing change, some security protocols remain deeply embedded in the state’s governance structure.
In summary: The Extraordinary Gazette marks President Dissanayake’s latest exercise of constitutional powers to ensure public security. While effective immediately, it also highlights the broader debate about balancing civil policing with military involvement in maintaining law and order — a recurring theme in Sri Lanka’s governance landscape.
