The UNP had reservations earlier over a clause of the gazette notification and wanted to oppose, says United National Party (UNP) mp, John Ameratunge.

After the government agreed to remove the clause in the gazette notification of the Emergency the UNP abstained from Tuesday's voting.

"The clause in the gazette notification is undemocratic and can be used as a weapon to suppress opposition", Ameratunge said.

However, to support the government's "war against terrorism", the UNP MP said that his party did not oppose the parliament extending the Emergency Regulations by another month.

JVP support

People's Liberation Front (JVP) which voted in support said they would vote against four bills that the government plans to table in the parliament on Thursday.

JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that the government is planning to impose new taxes on vehicles and mobile phones by which small-scale businessmen will be affected.

He said mobile phone is not a luxury and over 500,000 are in use in the country.

Also, Dissanayake said, by imposing tax to vehicles less than 1600 cc, government is putting the three -wheeler drivers in difficulties.

"The government should stop wasteful expenses and utilize that money for the war," Dissanayake added.