Sri Lanka to table bill to repeal Prevention of Terrorism Act

A bill to repeal Sri Lanka’s controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is scheduled to be presented to Parliament. The legislation has faced decades of criticism from human rights organizations and the international community for allowing extended detentions without trial, often impacting minority communities.

At a seminar organized by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Attorney-at-Law Sanjeewa Weerawickrama challenged the legal basis for detaining several high-profile individuals under the act. He questioned the specific terrorist acts allegedly committed by detainees such as Kehelbaddara Padme, Sewwandi, Nadun Chinthaka (alias ‘Harak Kata’), General Suresh Sallay, and former Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan (alias ‘Pillayan’).

Weerawickrama noted that while international calls have pushed for more humane frameworks, recent revisions have instead expanded police powers, including doubling the period suspects can be held without informing a court from 24 to 48 hours. The potential repeal is being closely monitored by international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council and the European Union.