New Delhi, Nov 09: Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has denied having imposed emergency in the island nation but admitted she has "certain criticism and problems" with the way matters of the state were being handled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. "I did not make a call for emergency.... I am very anti-emergency", Kumaratunga told a TV channel.
Observing that emergency regulations were prepared and kept in readiness to deal with any latent crisis situation, she said "it does not become law until the President signs the proclamation. I had not signed it at all".
Dismissing a suggestion that she had a "personal clash" with Wickremesinghe, Kumaratunga said she had "certain criticism and problems" about the way matters of the state were being dealt with by Prime Minister.
At the same time, the Sri Lankan President said, Wickremesinghe had the mandate to carry on with the peace process with LTTE.
Asked if there was a constitutional crisis in the country she said "I do not think it is a constitutional crisis unless Ranil Wickremesinghe and some of his ministers make it into one."
On the issue of taking over the key defence portfolio, the President said it was not a "ground shaking" event.

Bureau Report