• Bill to also repeal the PTA

The Government has gazetted a new Bill titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism, proposing Legislation to strengthen the Legal framework for addressing terrorism and related offences. 

The proposed Legislation seeks to provide for the protection of Sri Lanka’s national security and its people from acts of terrorism and other offences associated with terrorism, including specified acts committed both within and outside the country. 

The Bill also contains provisions aimed at preventing the use of Sri Lankan territory or its people in preparations for acts of terrorism outside Sri Lanka. It sets out procedures for the detection, identification, apprehension, arrest and detention of persons suspected of committing acts of terrorism or related offences, as well as provisions governing their investigation, prosecution and punishment. 

A key provision of the bill is the proposed repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979 (PTA). The Bill was ordered to be published by the Justice Minister and has now been gazetted for consideration as proposed Legislation.

The Bill to Protect the State from Terrorism has been published in the Gazette on Tuesday (22). In accordance with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Justice Minister appointed a Committee of Experts to formulate new Legislation capable of addressing emerging security challenges in the modern world, while repealing the PTA. 

Following consultations and the receipt of views from the public, the civil society, and the international community, the Committee prepared the new Bill.