Govt. that says the situation is 'settled' still insists on extension of state of emergency

External Affairs Minister Prof. GL Peiris told the parliament that tough measures with regard to holding meetings and gatherings, imposing curfew, spreading rumours, printing certain literature and obligation to provide the householder's names to the police would be relaxed with immediate effect.

"We do not believe that there is a need to continue with those particular regulations. The situation in the country is settled," he said.

The parliament was debating the extension of the ER for another month.

It was the first time the parliament convened after the swearing in of the Cabinet of Ministers.

LTTE 'still active'

The Prime Minister, DM Jayaratne, told MPs that it is important not to repeal the ER as the defeated Tamil Tigers still pose a threat abroad.

Specifically referring to the referendums held worldwide by the Transnational Government for Tamil Ealam, he said that a new military wing of the LTTE was forming to seek a separate state outside Sri Lanka.

	Gen Fonseka says emergency regulations are no longer needed

Gen (rtd.) Sarath Fonseka, MP, who attended the session from military custody, said the regulations are no longer needed as the LTTE is already defeated.

"Everybody in the country suffered during the war. In the north and in the south; everybody had a very difficult time and made many sacrifices," Gen Fonseka told the parliament.

"Therefore, there is no need to oppress the people anymore. We should give an opportunity for the people to live a normal life. So I don't approve the extension of emergency regulations."

He also lodged a complaint with the Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa that his parliamentary privileges were violated by being asked to attend the military court.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's eledest son, Namal, was among the speakers from the government side.

On Monday, the government announced a presidential pardon to jailed journalist, JS Tissainayagam.

Correspondents say the government is trying to appease the international community, especially to regain the GSP+ trade concession that is to be withdrawn soon by the EU.

But Minister Peiris has rejected the suggestion.