The Working Journalists' Association and the Collective for Social Media Declaration staged a protest at the Parliament roundabout yesterday (6), calling on the Government to withdraw the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, which they claimed could restrict freedom of speech and expression.

The protest was held on the same day the Bill was presented to Parliament by Justice Minister, attorney-at-law Harshana Nanayakkara.

The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, as amended (PTA), and introduce a new legal framework to address terrorism and terrorism-related offences.

According to the Bill, it seeks to protect Sri Lanka and its people from acts of terrorism, terrorism-related offences and other specified acts constituting terrorism, whether committed within or outside the country.

It also seeks to prevent Sri Lankan territory and its people from being used in the preparation of acts of terrorism outside Sri Lanka.

The proposed legislation provides for the detection, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of persons who commit acts of terrorism or related offences.

It also contains provisions relating to the repeal of the PTA and matters connected with or incidental to the implementation of the new legislation.

Photo Lalith Perera