The Government’s proposed replacement for the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has been sent to be gazetted, clearing the way for the bill to be presented in Parliament, according to Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

“It has been sent to the gazette and should be gazetted tomorrow or the day after,” Nanayakkara said on Friday (18) when contacted by The Sunday Morning.

The proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill is intended to replace the much criticised Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No.48 of 1979. Sri Lanka has also given undertakings to international bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union to repeal or replace the PTA.

Cabinet granted policy approval on 10 August for the introduction of the new legislation. The bill, prepared by the Legal Draftsman, subsequently received clearance from the Attorney General, while Cabinet later approved its publication in the gazette and presentation to Parliament.

Once gazetted, the bill is to be presented to Parliament for approval.

The move comes amid long-standing domestic and international calls for the repeal of the PTA, particularly over concerns surrounding its arrest and detention provisions.

Nanayakkara has previously stated that the Government intends to repeal the PTA by the end of 2026.