Sri Lanka’s Justice Ministry plans to repeal the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by September and introduce a new bill, aligning with UN reforms and affirming commitments to human rights, non-discrimination, and police accountability.
Sri Lanka to Scrap PTA and Unveil New Anti-Terror Law by September, Says Justice Minister
Sri Lanka is set to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and replace it with a new anti-terrorism bill in Parliament by September, according to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara. The move is part of a broader initiative to modernize Sri Lanka’s legal framework in line with international human rights standards.
Speaking on the reform, Nanayakkara confirmed that the legislation has been under review for some time, following consultations with UN experts, long before the recent visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tattuk. “We expect to repeal the PTA in its current form and present a new bill to Parliament by September,” he stated.
Addressing allegations of torture and human rights violations, the minister emphasized that the government does not interfere in fundamental rights cases, leaving such matters to the judicial system. “We do not tolerate torture as a matter of policy,” he affirmed, calling on the UNHRC to investigate alleged incidents independently.
Nanayakkara also touched on the status of same-sex relations, confirming that they are not criminalized, and highlighted the government’s non-discriminatory policy on gender and sexual orientation. However, he acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and said public dialogue is crucial before formal legislative action is taken.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala reinforced the government’s stance against police brutality, noting that under the current administration, such incidents have been minimal. He referenced the Welikada prison incident, stating that disciplinary actions, including the removal of police OICs involved in custodial deaths, have already been undertaken.
The minister also outlined the government’s focus on police reforms, particularly in response to the rise in cybercrime. With a surge in technology-enabled offenses, law enforcement is being equipped with advanced digital tools, including a Rs. 40 million synthetic drug detection system recently provided to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.
As Sri Lanka navigates legal reform and global scrutiny, the repeal of the PTA marks a pivotal shift in the country’s legislative and human rights landscape.
