The government has gazetted a new Bill titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism, proposing a legal framework to address terrorism and related offences in Sri Lanka.

The Bill includes provisions for detecting, identifying, apprehending, arresting and detaining persons suspected of terrorism-related offences, as well as their investigation, prosecution and punishment.

It also proposes provisions to prevent the use of Sri Lankan territory or its people in preparations for terrorist acts outside Sri Lanka.

A key provision is the proposed repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, commonly known as the Prevention of Terrorism Act.