Gazette on HSZs revoked

The Gazette declaring several High Security Zones (HSZs) in the Colombo District, was revoked by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the Defence Minister, by issuing a fresh Gazette on Saturday.The Gazette, declaring eight HSZs in Colombo issued on September 16 under the Official Secret Act sparked controversy.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Bar Association of Sri Lanka and many other Civil Society groups and human rights watch dogs were vocal against it.

The President revoked the Gazette soon after he returned to the country following his official visits to Japan and Philippines.