• TNA calls for revocation

While the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the main Parliamentary Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and others are yet to decide about amendments to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB), the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has called for its revocation at initial stage.

The Anti-Terrorism Bill will be taken up for debate in parliament this Tuesday (25). The Bill, which was expected to replace the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979, has drawn criticism from local and international actors, who claim it violates the fundamental rights of the citizens.

When contacted about possible amendments to the Bill, the General Secretary of the SLPP, MP Sagara Kariyawasam said: “This Bill has not been given to anybody officially. We have already raised our concerns about it and not yet thought of proposing any amendments.”

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the National Organiser of the SJB, MP Tissa Attanayake said that they have not yet made a decision regarding proposing amendments to the Bill. “We oppose this Bill and what we say is that it should be revoked. However, the Parliamentary group of the SJB will meet tomorrow (24), and we will make a final decision as to whether we should propose amendments during that meeting.”

The Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Prof. Rohana Luxman Piyadasa also commented on the proposed ATB and said that a special committee within the Party is currently studying it. “The SLFP conceptually opposes this Bill. However, a committee has been appointed within the Party and it is currently studying this Bill. When the committee report is prepared, we will discuss it further and make a final decision on the matter.”

Opposition MP Udaya Gammanpila, who represents the Supreme Lanka Alliance, when contacted by The Daily Morning, said that they are against the Bill that has been drafted by now. “We do admit that there are improvements with regard to human rights and national security perspectives, but certain clauses have been included with the ulterior motive of suppressing the Opposition and the media. What we have to say is that we are against the Bill that has been drafted. We have not yet decided about proposing amendments, but have already said that we will challenge it before the Supreme Court (SC)”

Former State Minister MP, Prof. Channa Jayasumana who currently represents the Freedom People's Congress (FPC) also told The Daily Morning that the FPC, which includes 13 MPs, would make a final decision regarding the submission of amendments to the ATB at a meeting to be held today (24). “We are hoping to propose amendments. There will be a group meeting tomorrow. We will discuss the matter there and reach a final decision.”

Speaking to The Daily Morning, TNA MP, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said that they need the ATB to be discarded at the initial stage. “We are of the view that this should be withdrawn. There is no need for the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA), and there is no need for the ATB either. The Penal Code is sufficient to deal with the related matters. Therefore, this should be withdrawn and we will not accept it even with amendments.”

The Bill, which was to be tabled in Parliament earlier, was postponed until late April, with the Minister of Justice, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe stating that the decision was taken in order to avoid any impediment for the concerned parties to challenge the Bill in the SC.