Controversy Over Sri Lanka’s Proposed Crime & Security Bills 📈

• Key Legislation Under Debate: The proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes (POC) Bill, Protection of the State from Terrorism (PST) Bill, and amendments to the Trusts Ordinance have sparked heavy parliamentary debate. • Opposition & Rights Concerns: • UN & HRCSL Warnings: A formal 31-page UN communication (Oct 30, 2026) and HRCSL cited human rights violations, urging the POC Bill's withdrawal. • Civil Liberties & Surveillance: Critics warn of DIG powers to execute warrantless wiretaps, mandatory disclosure of journalistic sources, and extended administrative detentions. • Legal Overrides: Overrides long-standing Evidence Ordinance safeguards regarding police confessions. • Broad Overreach: PST Bill is criticized for retaining restrictive powers instead of unconditionally scrapping the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). • Focus Shift: Opposition Leaders argue state focus should prioritize poverty relief and economic stability over repressive legislation. • Government Defense: • Anti-Crime Imperative: Ministers argue laws are urgent to combat organized narcotics, extortion, and illegal arms rings. • International Compliance: Admin frames laws as essential to meet FATF guidelines, retain EU GSP Plus trade concessions, and boost global financial standing. • Judicial Review: Executive maintains it will abide by the ongoing Supreme Court judicial review process.