Justice Minister says public fears of anti-terrorism bill unwarranted

Glocal
By Editor_1
Justice Minister Harshan Nanayakkara says the government is committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA), which has been in force since 1979, citing concerns over its impact on human rights – ENCL/File

COLOMBO – Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara on Thursday (22) sought to allay public concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, insisting that it would not restrict freedom of expression or the right to participate in protests.

Responding to questions during a special interview on the proposed legislation, Nanayakkara said public fears were unwarranted and stemmed largely from a failure to read and understand the Bill.

He said the government was committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA), which has been in force since 1979, citing concerns over its impact on human rights.

“A responsible government’s primary duty is not merely to protect itself, but to protect the entire country and its people,” he said, stressing that the government was equally responsible for safeguarding fundamental rights, freedom of expression and human rights.

Acknowledging differing views on the proposed legislation, the minister said some believed existing laws were sufficient, while others argued that stronger measures were necessary. The government was seeking a balanced approach that addressed security concerns while upholding democratic principles, he said.

Identifying national security, public safety, protection of the Constitution, the rule of law and the preservation of democracy as the five key considerations guiding the proposed law, Nanayakkara said the Bill was being drafted to fulfil the government’s pledge to repeal the PTA and introduce a new legal framework suited to the country’s security needs.

Addressing concerns over the powers granted to the security forces, he said Section 21 of the Bill provided for powers previously exercised by the military under emergency regulations.

Under Section 24, security personnel would be permitted to arrest suspects only in specific circumstances, including when police officers were absent or unable to arrive promptly, to prevent an imminent terrorist act, maintain public order, or during military deployments to designated areas for counter-terrorism operations.

Anyone arrested under these provisions would have to be handed over to the police without delay, he said.

The minister maintained that the proposed legislation was intended to protect the public rather than those in power, emphasizing that national security measures must be consistent with the protection of fundamental rights and democratic governance.

-ENCL

Editor_1
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