Powers vested in Emergency Regulations
The Security Forces and Police have powers to search, arrest and detain persons under the Emergency Regulations promulgated last week following the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.

Under the regulations any public, armed forces or police officer can search, detain or arrest a person without a warrant and search, seize, remove and detain any vehicle or vessel. A person could be detained for a 90-day period.
It empowers the President to order the prohibition of public processions or meetings for a specified period.

The Competent Authority also may take steps to impose a censorship on publications. These include distribution of leaflets, handbills or pasting of posters in public places. Other offences punishable under emergency regulations include spreading of rumors or false statements, printing or publishing certain types of documents such as any matter relating to defence and security.

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