Chairperson of the committee appointed to review and make recommendations on the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne has officially handed over the committee’s report and recommendations to the Justice Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara.

The Justice and National Integration Ministry announced on 13 April of this year (2025) that the committee had been established to study the repeal of the PTA and propose appropriate legislative measures. The committee was also tasked with obtaining input from civil society organisations and feedback from international institutions and communities to ensure a broad and inclusive reform process. A preliminary discussion regarding the repeal of the PTA was held on 11 April under the leadership of Nanayakkara, at the Ministry premises. During the discussion, Nanayakkara reiterated that the repeal of the PTA is a policy priority of the Government. 

He emphasised that any new legislation introduced must be capable of addressing contemporary global terrorism related challenges while upholding constitutionally guaranteed human rights and freedoms of expression, in line with international standards. He further stated that past Governments have not acted with due diligence in bringing about these legal reforms, and that the appointed committee has therefore been instructed to comprehensively identify the relevant matters for repealing the Act within a short timeframe.