TISL Demands Withdrawal of Proposed Anti-Terror Bill ⚖️

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has officially called on the Government to withdraw the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (gazetted 22 September 2026) and urgently repeal the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). • Key Concerns & Legal Scope: TISL warns the proposed Bill threatens fundamental rights, judicial independence, and democratic freedoms. The definition of terrorism is overly broad, encompassing damage to property, the environment, cultural assets, and electronic systems—offences better handled under ordinary criminal law. • Executive Power & Judicial Oversight: The Bill grants the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence authority to issue initial 2-month detention orders while limiting a Magistrate's power to independently review necessity, shifting excessive power to the executive branch. • State Authority & Civic Impact: Extensive powers of arrest, search, and seizure granted to armed forces and the Coast Guard risk creating accountability gaps. Provisions allowing the President to proscribe organisations without clear time limits raise concerns over potential restrictions on civic activity and freedom of association.