President revokes the gazette declaring an emergency as the government tends to lose the majority in Parliament.

• Police confront gun brandishing Army personnel on Parliament road

• Army Commander demands inquiry

  President last night revoked the gazette issued under his hand, declaring a state of emergency. The withdrawal of the gazette came after the government realized that they were losing the majority in Parliament. TNA Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthariun urged the Speaker yesterday to suspend Parliamentary standing orders to facilitate a debate on the state of emergency and put the same for a vote in Parliament. Meanwhile, Army personnel riding unregistered high powered motorcycles brandishing guns on Parliament road were yesterday confronted by several senior Police officers. Army Commander has subsequently requested the Inspector general of police to conduct an inquiry into the conduct of the Police officers who allegedly obstructed the presence of Army personnel amidst a growing protest by the masses. Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne also directed the IGP to hold an inquiry into the matter. People protesting on Parliament road watched with amusement the presence of army personnel in black uniforms.