Apart from news relating to the war, news and comments about the President, government, judiciary and the constitution will be subject to the censorship rules. The FMM says that the regulations allow the government to ban the media and imprison journalists. Over 1,500 Tamils are held under the PTA and 1,000 cases under the PTA and Emergency regulations are pending. Under new regulations, the government can force people to become involved in any service in the national interest. Any building can be acquired and vehicles, including ships, can be requisitioned for military purposes.
Freedom of assembly is suspended and no meeting or procession can be held.
There is concern that the new regulations may be used to ban trade union action. The right to privacy is curtailed and the security forces can enter and search any building or premises at any time. The powers of arrest and detention have been strengthened and analysts say legal remedies may not be available. Development work which are considered non-essential are suspended for a period of three months and the funds, if necessary, will be diverted towards the war effort. Widespread concern has been expressed over the authoritarian methods of the Sri Lankan government and the fate of the Norwegian peace initiative.