Sri Lanka's New Bills Face Public Trust Deficit Amid Police Conduct Concerns 📉

• Legislative Drive: Government recently gazetted the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA), tabled the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, and passed Anti-Corruption amendments, expanding state discretionary powers. • Institutional Concerns: Over 1,000 police officers dismissed in recent years due to ties with organised crime and drug trafficking, with nearly 200 more under investigation. Inspector General of Police faces potential contempt of court proceedings regarding a Gampaha Magistrate Court order. • Key Legal Risks: • Organised Crimes Bill: Critics cite provisions allowing 2-year detentions without trial, warrantless searches, and admissibility of confessions made in custody. • PSTA: Repeals 1979 PTA, but UN Human Rights Office urges a redraft due to similarities with earlier contested legislation. • Anti-Corruption Law: TISL warns amendments weaken asset declaration rules and remove judicial oversight on non-prosecution decisions. • Market & Economic Impact: Policy instability, eroded rule of law, and weak institutional governance risk dampening investor confidence across core growth sectors like tourism, foreign direct investment (FDI), and financial services.