Lankan Parliament extends emergency

8220;We are also not happy with the emergency, but we need it because of the security situation8230;. When the situation returns to normal, we will revoke it,8221; the government8217;s Chief peace negotiator Nimal Siripala de Silva told the parliament.

The state of emergency, which gives sweeping powers to the security forces to arrest or detain suspects, has been extended periodically since its imposition. The constitution requires it to be approved by parliament before it can be extended for a maximum period of one month at a time.

Meanwhile Tamil Tigers were silent over President Mahinda Rajapakse8217;s rejection of their demand for a separate homeland.