President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued his first Defense Gazette, calling on the Armed Forces to assist in maintaining public order in specific areas. The gazette, issued under the Public Security Ordinance, allows the Army, Navy, and Air Force to exercise police powers in ensuring public security in administrative districts and the adjacent territorial waters.
On August 27, 2024, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a similar gazette that gave the military the authority to maintain public order.
