India, Britain and Australia hail decision

India, Britain and Australia yesterday welcomed the announcement by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Parliament on August 25 that Emergency regulations will be lifted.

India yesterday welcomed the Sri Lankan government's decision to withdraw emergency, PTI reported

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told Lok Sabha that the decision of Colombo to withdraw Emergency once its term expires this month was a welcome step.

The British High Commission, Colombo yesterday welcomed President Rajapaksa's statement that the state of Emergency will be brought to an end, after a period of over two years free from terrorist attacks.

"This announcement marks an important move towards normalisation and the strengthening of civil and political rights.

We look forward to the lifting of the Emergency Regulations," a release said.

Australia welcomes the announcement by President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, in Parliament on August 25 that the country's Emergency Regulations will be lifted, an Australian High Commission release states. This decision is an important step in reconciliation and normalisation after years of conflict in Sri Lanka.

It is a decision which reflects Sri Lanka's democratic traditions and hope for the future.