Amnesty International urges Sri Lanka to respect suspect rights as PTA arrests continue despite pledges to repeal the controversial law.
Amnesty International has urged the Sri Lankan government to respect the rights of suspects, warning that arrests and detentions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act continue despite official commitments to abolish the law.
The organization said it is deeply concerned that the PTA is still being used, even though the government has publicly declared its intention to repeal the controversial legislation.
Amnesty noted that the Act contains extremely broad provisions that are inconsistent with international human rights law and standards, and has long been strongly criticized by rights groups, lawyers, and civil society organizations.
According to Amnesty, several recent incidents have once again exposed the serious problems created by the continued implementation of the PTA.
One of the cases highlighted is the arrest of 24-year-old Tamil hip-hop artist Sangeethan Ganeshkumar on June 2.
He was arrested in connection with a performance circulated on social media, allegedly for praising the LTTE, and has been remanded until June 17.
Amnesty said the vague definitions of offences under the Act do not comply with international legal standards.
The organization called for his immediate release unless authorities can bring a charge against him that meets international fair trial standards.
Amnesty also referred to the case of former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay, who was arrested on February 25 on suspicion of involvement in the April 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
His family and lawyers have raised concerns over the alleged lack of due legal process and inhumane treatment during detention.
Amnesty emphasized that the government has a duty to deliver justice for the more than 250 victims killed in the Easter Sunday attacks.
However, it said that action against suspects must still fully respect their fair trial rights and legal protections.
The organization also raised concern over the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act in incidents linked to drug offences.
It said such use raises serious questions about the limits of the Act and the manner in which it is being applied.
Due to the lack of adequate safeguards, Amnesty warned that the PTA creates conditions for arbitrary and abusive practices, including torture and cruel treatment.
