A proposal to amend the criminal court procedure special provisions bill to extend the detention period without a warrant to 48 hours was passed in Parliament with 77 majority votes yesterday.

110 voted in favour of the bill and 33 voted against.

Meanwhile Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem stated that steps will be taken to appoint a lawyer at each police station through the attorney Generals Department.

UNP MP Lakshmam Kirialla addressing parliament yesterday stated that the government introduced this act to control any tense situation.

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In reply Deputy Minister H R Mithrapala had this to say….

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Meanwhile a debate took place between Minister Dinesh Gunawardana and JVP MP Sunil Handuneththi regarding equipment used to control riots.

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