The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, filed a Petition on the 19th December 2025 in the Supreme Court challenging the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations No. 1 of 2025 gazetted by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2464/26 dated 28th November 2025.
CPA had previously raised concerns regarding the declaration of the State of Emergency and provided a commentary on the 2025 Regulations. In an earlier statement, CPA acknowledged the gravity of the disaster and the need for a coordinated response, yet emphasized that emergency powers should be a last resort. Under the Public Security Ordinance (PSO), the President is granted significant authority to override existing laws. Reflecting on similar declarations in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, CPA notes a troubling trend in which emergency regulations provide the Executive with authority that exceeds what is actually required to manage the crisis.
The Petitioners argue that the power of the Executive to make Emergency Regulations must be exercised reasonably and proportionately. Furthermore, it was submitted that in addition to the concerns raised about specific Emergency Regulations, as a whole the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulation No.1 of 2025 are overbroad and vague and undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The Petitioners further argue that the regulations contained in Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulation No.1 of 2025 replicate Regulations issued in 2019, 2021 and 2022 and have no nexus to the natural disaster caused by the Cyclonic storm Ditwah.