The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to publish the Anti–Terrorism Bill, revised in accordance with the suggestions and opinions received by different parties, in the Government gazette, and to table the Bill in the Parliament for passing.

Earlier in September last year (2022), the Cabinet approved the submission of the new Anti-Terrorism Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman, in order to replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA). Accordingly, the relevant Bill had been published in the Government gazette on 22 March this year. Later on, local and international parties interested in this regard forwarded their opinions regarding the Bill, and the Ministry of Justice then formally called for their suggestions and opinions regarding the matter. Accordingly, necessary steps had been taken to revise the original draft of the Bill, published in the Government gazette, and to re-draft the Bill, in consideration of all the opinions and suggestions received by the Ministry in this regard.

The Attorney General’s clearance has also been received for the new Bill. 

The Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Justice President’s Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to publish the newly drafted Anti-Terrorism Bill in the Government gazette, and then to table it in Parliament for passing.