Image: UN Rights Commissioner Volker Türk
11th April, 2023
To: Diplomatic Missions in Colombo
Proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in Sri Lanka
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals from Sri Lanka write to you regarding the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)[1] proposed by the Government of Sri Lanka. The ATA was published in the official government gazette on 17th March 2023 and issued on 22nd March 2023. Indications are that it may be tabled in Parliament in late April 2023 after which it could be enacted as law in May 2023 if approved by Parliament.
We categorically state that the ATA, which is intended to replace the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), is an even more serious threat to democracy in Sri Lanka. We are demanding that the Government withdraw this atrocious proposed law with immediate effect and repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. We seek your support in this endeavour.
Draconian features of the ATA
The definition of ‘terrorism’ in the ATA is not in compliance with international guidelines and casts a wide net over ordinary criminal offences (Clauses 3, 8, 9, 10,11, 12 and 16). The ATA empowers:
- Any Deputy Inspector General of Police to detain a person without a judge having meaningful oversight (Clause 31).
- Any Senior Superintendent of Police can obtain from court curfew-like Orders (not to enter any specified area/premises, not to leave a specified area/premises and remain within a specified area, not to travel on any road, and not to transport anything or anybody) (Clause 61).
- The President to proscribe organisations (Clause 82), to apply for Restriction Orders restraining persons in various ways (Clause 83), to declare curfew for 24-hour periods (a power currently provided only under the Public Security Ordinance to be used in public security situations with Parliamentary oversight), to declare ‘Prohibited Places’ (Clause 85), and to potentially make law in the form of ‘regulations’ and ‘directions’ relating to the Police and Military (Clauses 98 & 99).
- The Police to seize movable property (not land) for 3 days and ask a Magistrate to extend the detention of property for 90 days (Clause 86).
- The Attorney General, without having to prove a suspect’s guilt, incentivizes them to accept rehabilitation and other penalties (Clause 100).
- The Military to exercise powers of arrest, search persons and places, and take documents and articles to the military (Clauses 20 & 22) militarising civilian administration.
- Imposing the death penalty, overriding the moratorium on its use in place since 1976.
- The State to remove protections granted to suspects under ordinary criminal law (Clauses 57, 58, 59, 67, 71 & 80)
Disingenuous Intent of the Government of Sri Lanka
The Government of Sri Lanka has disingenuously proposed a law with a far greater capacity to infringe the human rights of its citizens than the PTA. The ATA both retains and enhances PTA provisions that will shrink the space for active civilian participation in democracy, subject communities to intensive state surveillance, and militarise the State, thus intensifying the damage done by the PTA.
Sri Lanka must respond to the history of abuses and violations under the PTA
The PTA has been the source of countless human rights violations. Many Tamils detained under the PTA have spent up to 16 years in detention under the PTA before being acquitted by courts as not guilty. Since 2019, many Muslims have also been similarly detained. The PTA has also been used to unjustly detain lawyers, religious leaders, journalists, student activists, opposition politicians and human rights activists from all ethnic communities. Many PTA detainees have been subjected to horrendous torture. Commitments to replace the PTA cannot be used to introduce even worse, anti-democratic legislation, such as the ATA.
Sri Lankans are united in their call for repeal of the PTA
Sri Lankans have called for the repeal of the PTA for many years. Over the past two years, there have been concerted public campaigns, including by PTA victims and their families, opposition politicians, religious and community leaders, and lawyers to repeal the PTA. Previous attempts to reform the PTA (such as in 2022) and replace it with similar laws (such as in 2018) were cosmetic efforts to appease national and international pressure, without any genuine intention to address the massive rights violations accrued under it.
The ATA is a mockery of compliance with international commitments
In 2015, the Sri Lankan Government pledged to repeal the PTA and to replace it with, “anti-terrorism legislation in accordance with contemporary international best practices,” through UN Human Rights Council resolution 30/1, when the present Executive President was the Prime Minister. However, a careful analysis of the ATA reveals that the overarching content, tone and spirit are far from compliant with international best practices. The few positive features of the ATA are those that should be part of the ordinary criminal legal system. The ATA’s negatives far outweigh the positives in terms of the dangers to human rights, rule of law and democracy.
Rising domestic agitation against the ATA
Since the publication of the ATA, it has been widely condemned in Sri Lanka, including by opposition politicians, trade unions, academics, legal experts, religious and community leaders, and PTA victims and their families, through discussions, street protests and media.[2] Regional and International human rights groups have also condemned the ATA.[3]
Our legitimate concerns
Given the limitations in the legal system and difficulties for citizens to challenge draft laws such as the ATA in the Supreme Court[4], the highly political nature of this government initiative and our past experiences in judicially challenging attempts at replacing or reforming the PTA, it is unlikely we will get adequate redress from petitioning the Supreme Court to prevent the ATA’s enactment.
It is our considered and consistent position that the PTA must be repealed, and must not be replaced with any legislation that contains any extraordinary executive powers. If absolutely necessary, subject to a process of consultation with particularly affected individuals and communities and relevant experts, well-defined new offences could be introduced to the Penal Code and subject to normal criminal law safeguards.
Given all this, we urge you to utilise your esteemed offices and the diplomatic, political and economic relations you have with the present Sri Lankan government to take a principled position to promote and protect human rights, rule of law and democracy for all Sri Lankans. We urge you to take a firm stance on the fact that the overall content, tone and spirit of the ATA not only makes reform meaningless, but undermines Sri Lanka’s commitment to a counter-terrorism legal framework compliant with human rights protections.
Specifically, we call on you to urge the Sri Lankan Government to:
- Immediately withdraw the proposed Anti Terrorism Act gazetted on 17th March 2023.
- Commit to an immediate moratorium on the use of the PTA and take expeditious measures to repeal it.
- Consider the extensive array of existing terrorism-related legislation in Sri Lanka, including the terrorism-related offences in the Penal Code, as part of Sri Lanka’s compliance with international obligations to have comprehensive legislation to counter terrorism.
- Review the existing legal framework for countering terrorism to identify any specific offences against the State that need to be introduced; draft well defined offences for insertion into the Penal Code which is subject to the safeguards in the Criminal Procedure Code; and make any deviations from normal safeguards afforded to criminal suspects proportionate and justified and publish these for public consultation prior to enactment.
We attach herewith a six-page detailed analysis with background and key concerns related to the ATA. We are very open to engage in further discussions on this with you.
We look forward to your response.
Cc.
- Mr. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Ms. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while counter-terrorism
- Regional and International human rights organisations
Signatories.
Individuals
Academics
- Amali Wedagedara
- Aruni Samarakoon – University of Ruhuna
- Dr. Ajith Jayasekara – Consultant Psychiatrist/Sr. Lecturer, University of Ruhuna
- Dr. Farah Mihlar
- Dr. Farzana Haniffa – University of Colombo
- Dr. Geethika Dharmasinghe – Colgate University
- Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne
- Dr. Kaushalya Perera – University of Colombo
- Dr. Mahendran Thiruvarangan – University of Jaffna
- Dr. Nilu Anandappa – Educationist, NICE International School
- Dr. Ranil D. Guneratne (Retired)
- Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe – University of Colombo
- Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa
- Dushyanthi Mendis – University of Colombo
- Hasini Lecamwasam – University of Peradeniya
- Kanchana N. Ruwanpura
- M. Sitralega – Academic / Scholar /Independent Researcher
- Maduranga Kalugampitiya – University of Peradeniya
- Mario Gomez
- Nadeesh de Silva – Open University of Colombo
- Nicola Perera – University of Colombo
- Pasan Jayasinghe
- Pavithra Kailasapathy
- Prof. Ajit Abeysekera – Scientist
- Prof. Arjuna Parakrama – University of Peradeniya
- Prof. Camena Guneratne
- Prof. Sivamohan Sumathy – University of Peradeniya
- S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole
- Sakuntala Kadirgamar
- Shamala Kumar – University of Peradeniya
- Sharika Thiranagama – Stanford University
- T. Sanathanan
- Thiyagaraja Waradas
Activists/Trade Unionists
- A. Ajitha
- A.M. Nandawathi Hamine
- Amalini De Sayrah
- Amila Pradeep Kumara Jayathilaka
- Amila Sandaruwan
- Anberiya Hanifa
- Anithra Varia
- Anthony Vinoth
- Anuratha Rajaretnam
- Anuruddha Bandara – Social Activist
- Anushaya Collure
- Aruna Paul – Social Activist
- Asanka Abeyratne
- Ashila Dandeniya
- Ashoka Weerasinghe
- Asma Edris
- B. Gowthaman
- B. Sukitha
- Buhari Mohamed
- Buwanaka Perera
- C. Tozer – Women’s Rights Activist
- Chamila Thushari
- Chandra Devanarayana
- Chandra Jayarathne
- Channaka Jayasinghe
- Chathuranga M. Pradeep Kumara
- Chintaka Rajapakse
- Christine Perera
- D.W. Jayasinghe
- Dammika Munasinghe
- Deekshya Illangasinghe
- Devinda Kodagoda
- Dhanusha Pathirana
- Ekeshawara Kottegoda Vithana
- Faizun Zackariya
- Fathima Nabeela Iqbal
- Francis Raajan
- G.M.I.S. Galappaththi
- G.R. Gunasena
- G.V.D. Tilakasiri
- Godfrey Yogarajah
- H.M. Chathurika Sewwanadi
- H.R.R. Karunarathne
- Hari Prasath
- Hasanah Cegu Isadeen
- Hemamali Abeyrathna
- Herman Kumara
- I.M.S.M. Munasinghe
- Iromi Perera
- J.L.R.C. Liyanage – Political Activist
- J.M.S. Jayasinghe
- J. Thayalini
- J. Varayalini
- Jananthan Thavarajah
- Jansila Majeed
- Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala
- Jeana De Zoysa
- Jeremy R. Liyanage – Bridging Lanka
- Joanne Senn – Counselling Psychologist
- Joseph Stalin
- Jothiraj Jegan
- Juwairiya Mohideen
- K. A. Karunarathne
- K. Hemalatha
- K.J. Brito Fernando
- K. Nihal Ahamed
- K. Saththiyaseelan
- Kalani Subasinghe
- Lucille Abeykoon
- M.A.A. Bawa
- M.A. Wahid
- M.K. Jayathissa
- M. Nirmalathevi
- Madurani Rambukwella
- Mahalaxumy Kurushanthan
- Malinga Prasad Jayaratna
- Malith Indika Jayarathna
- Mareen Nilashani
- Mario Arulthas
- Marisa de Silva
- Marisa Fernando
- Melani Gunathilaka
- Minoli de Almeida – Association for Constructive Engagement
- Mirak Raheem
- Muthulingam Periyasamy
- N. Arththigan
- Nadishani Perera
- Natasha Vanhoff
- Nihal Weeraratne
- Nilshan Fonseka
- Nishanthini Stalin George – Women’s Rights Activist
- P.A.P. Vinitha
- P.G. Weerasinghe
- P. Morin Rose
- P.N. Singham
- P. Sampath Gunathilake
- Paba Deshapriya
- Padma Pushpakanthi
- Perumal Saroja
- Philip Setunga
- Piyathilaka Ranaweera
- Prasad Welikumbura
- Prasantha Dinesh Kumara
- Puni Selvaratnam
- Pyara Ratnayake
- R. Karunathilake
- R. Kounthini
- R. Robinson
- R. Saththiya
- R. Yogeshwari
- Rajany Chandrasegaram
- Rajkumar Rajeevkanth
- Ranjan Senanayake
- Ranjithlal Samarawikrama
- Ranjith Senarathna
- Rebecca David
- Renuka Badrakanthi
- Rizani Hamin – Women’s Rights Activist
- Rosanna Flamer-Caldera
- Roshen Sameera
- Ruki Fernando
- Ruvinda Dilshan
- S. Easwary
- S. Ethayarani
- S.H. Razik
- S. Kopika
- S. Mariyarosalin
- S. Niththika
- S. Sendil Sivaganam
- S. Sivagurunathan
- S. Suganthi
- S.T. Ganeshalingam
- S. Tharsan
- S. Thileepan
- Sabrina Symons
- Sandunika Nimali Sirisena – Student Activist
- Sandun Thudugala
- Sandya Ekneligoda
- Sankhitha Gunaratne
- Sarala Emmanuel
- Shafinaz Hassendeen
- Sheila Richards
- Shenali Perera
- Shivantha Rathnayake
- Shreen Saroor
- Shyamala Gomez
- Singarasa Jeevanayagam – Kilinochchi District Citizen Committee
- Sirany Thevakumar
- Sithara Kularathna
- Sriyawathi Menike
- Suchith Abeyewickreme – Civic Activist
- Sujeewa Priyadarshani
- Sujith Kuruwita
- Sumana Panditharathne
- Suneth Anurakumara
- Suresh Duminda
- Swarna Amarasinghe
- T.G. Jayawikrama
- T.M. Bala
- T.M. Janoor
- Terence Gamini
- Thushara Gallessage
- Upul Dasanayake
- V. Shamini
- Vaas Gunawardena
- Vanie Simon – Women’s Rights Activist
- Vasuki Jeyasankar – Women’s Rights Activist & Artist, Batticaloa
- Vidarshana Kannangara
- Visakha Tillekeratne
- W.B. Samitha Madurangi
- W.F. Priyankara Costa
- W.K. Mallawaarachchi
- W.M. Chathura Nishan
- W.M. Nandadewa
- Wijepala Weerakoon
- Zaharan Mohomed
Artists/Writers/Filmmakers
- Ajith Kumarasiri
- Asanka Senadeera
- Ashfaque Mohamed – Film Director
- Bennett Rathnayake – Film Director
- Chandrika Gadiewasam – Freelance Writer
- Dilantha Perera
- Dinupa Kodagoda
- Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra
- Jake Oorloff
- Nadika Weligodapola
- Namini Panchala De Silva
- Ruwanthie de Chickera – Playwright
- Sulochana Peiris – Writer/Researcher/Documentary maker
Clergy/Activists
- Rev. Ajit Perera
- Rev. Andrew Devadason – Vicar, St. Paul’s Church, Milagiriya
- Rev. Dr. Jayasiri T. Peiris
- Rev. Fr. Bennette Mellawa – Director, Caritas Anuradhapura
- Rev. Fr. F.C.J. Gnanaraj (Nehru)
- Rev. Fr. Jeevantha Peiris
- Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos
- Rev. Fr. M. Sathivel
- Rev. Fr. Nandana Manatunga
- Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda
- Rev. Fr. Terence Fernando
- Rev. Sr. Deepa Fernando
- Rev. Sr. M.J. Vijaya
- Rev. Sr. Nichola Emmanuel
- Rev. Sr. Noel Christine Fernando
- Rev. Sr. Rasika Pieris
- Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph
- Tempitiye Sugathananda himi
- Thenne Gnanananda himi
- Ven. Fr. Samuel J. Ponniah
- Wekandawala Rahula himi – Environmentalist, School of Nature
Concerned Citizens
- Ahamed Farhan
- Aloka Weerasekara
- Angeline Ondaatjie
- Anil De Silva
- Anu Piyasena
- Aparna Somachandra
- Asela Fernando
- Bulathsinhalage Chamila Niroshani
- Catherine Mack
- Chaamindrie Jayasinghe
- Chaminda Dias
- Chanaka Karunarathne
- Chandima Nilantha Rathnapriya
- Christopher Stephen
- Damith Kethaka
- Dilshan Bulathsinghala
- Dinali de Zoysa
- Dino De Fonseka
- Dr. Mareena Thaha Reffai – Almuslimaath
- Feriyal Sherrif
- Hashantha Fernando
- Hilary N. Wirasinha
- Hussain Shamil
- Imran Rajabdeen
- Indresh Fernando
- Ingrid Guruge
- Jayasiri Guruge
- Jehanki Anandha
- Jehan Pieris
- Jude Perera
- Lal Motha
- Leisha Lawrence
- Kishan Wanduragala
- M.N.A. Fernando
- Mal Fernando
- Manel Wickramathunge
- Manik Rodrigo
- Maubrey Ginige
- Mohanie Ahangama
- N.D. Wickramapala
- N.D Chrishanthi
- Nadeem Lebbe
- Nadhie Perera
- Nagulan Nesiah
- Niloufer Anverally
- Pearly Hannan
- Peter Rezel – Chartered Accountant
- Pradeep Kodikara
- R.M.H.K. Bandara
- Raj Senewiratne
- Ramyani Ratnayake
- Ranjith de Silva
- Redley Silva
- Reza Lebbe
- Reza Sulaiman
- Rhuan Rambukwelle
- Rochelle Cooray
- Rohan Wickramaratne
- S.A.U.J. Samarasinghe
- Saif Jafferjee
- Sanjee Goonetilake
- Serena Burgess
- Sharmini Wickramaratne
- Shehani Claudette Perera
- Srilal Ahangama
- Steffan De Rosairo
- Tassy Dhahlan
- Tharindu Damith Madushan Abeyrathna
- Thenuka Witharana
- Travice Ondaatjie
- Udesh Fernando
- Veena D. Bakshi
- Yasantha Chamara Jayasooriya
Journalists
- Aadhil Ali Sabry
- Buddika Gayan Samaraweera
- Chamara Sampath
- Dilrukshi Handunnetti, AAL
- Indunil Usgoda Arachchi
- J.A. Jorge
- Kumari Fernando
- Lakshman Gunasekara
- M.F.M. Fazeer
- Maneshka Bohram
- Melani Manel Perera
- P. Nirosh Kumar
- Rekha Nilukshi Herath
- Ruwan Laknath Jayakody
- Sampath Samarakoon – Editor, Vikalpa.org
- Sandun Priyankara Vithanage
- Saroj Pathirana
- Selvaraja Rajasegar – Editor, Maatram.org
- Shalika Wimalasena
- Sithum Chathuranga
- Sunanda Deshapriya
- Tharindu Jayawardhana
- Tharindu Uduwaragedara
- Tisaranee Gunasekara
Lawyers
- Ameer Faaiz, AAL
- Bhavani Fonseka, AAL
- Buddhima Padmasiri
- C. Ranitha Gnanarajah, AAL
- Ermiza Tegal, AAL
- Ishara M. Jayasena, AAL
- Jayantha Dehiaththage, AAL
- M. Mangaleswary Shanker, AAL
- Neshan Gunasekera, AAL
- Nuwan Bopege, AAL
- Prathap Welikumbura, AAL
- Ramalingam Ranjan, AAL
- Rev. Sr. Ramanie Fernando, AAL
- Sabra Zahid, AAL
- Safana Gul Begum, AAL
- Sarah Arumugam, AAL
- Soraya M. Deen
- Suren D. Perera, AAL
- Swasthika Arulingam, AAL
Medical/Health Professionals
- Ananda Galappatti – Medical Anthropologist
- Dr. C.S. Jamunanantha
- Dr. Dishani Hasanthika
- Dr. Neelika Dissanayake – Consultant Paediatrician
- Dr. Nilan Fernando
- Dr. Rajeewa Matharage
- Dr. Vindya Gunasekara – Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist
- Evangeline S. Ekanayake – Psychologist
- Somasundaram Norman Roshanth – Consultant Paediatrician (Acting)
Organisations/Movements
- Affected Women’s Forum, Ampara
- Alliance for Minorities
- Ampara District Alliance for Land Rights
- Bakamoono.lk
- Caritas Sri Lanka
- Community Welfare and Development Fund
- Dabindu Collective
- Eastern Social Development Foundation (ESDF)
- Ekabadda Prejasanwardana Kantha Mahasangamaya
- Endearment Friend Organisation
- Estate Peoples Education Center
- Families of the Disappeared (FoD)
- FEF Sri Lanka Organisation
- Free Women
- Galakotuwa Farmers Organisation
- Gemunu Farmers Organisation
- Grassrooted
- Hodiyadeniya Farmers Organisation
- Human Elevation Organisation (HEO)
- Human Rights Office, Kandy
- Institute of Social Development (ISD)
- International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES)
- Islamic Women’s Association for Research and Empowerment (IWARE)
- Isuru Jivithodaya Foundation
- Janothsa Development Foundation
- Joint Farmer Organisation – Rajanganaya
- Joint Farmers Organisation – Elahera
- Journalist and Artist Cooperative Society, Wayamba
- Kandanuwara Farmers Organisation
- Kurunegala Human Rights Organisation
- Law and Society Trust (LST)
- Mannar Women’s Development Federation (MWDF)
- Mass Movement for Social Justice (MMSJ)
- Matale Women’s Foundation
- Media LK Network
- Movement for Defence of Democratic Rights (MDDR)
- Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR)
- Movement for Peoples’ Struggle
- Movement for Plantation Peoples’ Land Rights (MPPLR)
- Muslim Personal Law Reform Action Group (MPLRAG)
- Muslim Women’s Research & Action Forum
- Muslim Women’s Development Trust (MWDT), Puttalam
- National Christian Evangelical Alliance
- National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO)
- Pathkada Community Organisation
- Peoples Collective of Affected for Pahala Yan Oya Dam Project
- People’s Alliance for Right to Land (PARL)
- Perakum Women Farmer Organisation
- Pivithuru Women Organisation
- Praja Abhilasha Network
- Pregathisheeli Farmers Association
- Progressive Women’s Collective
- Pubudu Women Farmer Organisation
- Rathmalkaduwa Farmers Organisation
- Revolutionary Existence for Human Development (RED), Katunayake
- Rural Development Foundation
- Rural Development Praja Shakthi Women Organisation
- Rural Women Farmer Collective
- Samagi Farmers Organisation
- Sandeshaya by Saro
- Satahan Media
- Saubagya Women Organisation
- Savisthri National Women’s Movement
- Search for Common Ground
- Self-Help Farmers Collective
- Siriliya Women Organisation
- Social Institute for Development of Plantation Sector (SIDPS)
- Sramabimani Kendraya
- Sri Lanka Chapter – South Asian Free Media Association
- Standup Movement Lanka
- The Methodist Church of Sri Lanka
- Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL)
- True Foundation
- United Farmers Organisation
- Upcountry Civil Society Collective (UCSC)
- Vallamai Movement for Social Change
- Vimukthi Farmers Organisation
- Welioya Farmers Organisation
- Women’s Action for Social Justice (WASJ)
- Women’s Action Network (WAN)
- Women Development Center
- Young Journalists’ Association – Sri Lanka
- Young Journalists’ Study Center
- YOUTH FOR CHEnge
- Youth Rights Collective
Trade Unions
- Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU)
- Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union
- Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU)
- Health Workers Centre
- Joint Committee of Democratic Trade Unions
- Joint Development Officers Centre
- Joint Engineering Corporation Employees Union
- Joint Health Workers’ Union
- Joint Port Workers Union
- Joint Railway Employees Union
- Joint Teachers Service Union
- Joint Unemployed Graduates Association
- Joint Water Supply Workers Union
- Private Employees Centre
- Standup Workers Union
- United Federation of Labour (UFL)
- Workers Struggle Centre
Annex:ATA – commentary – ET – 24March2023 (Eng) (1)
[1] Anti Terrorism Bill – http://documents.gov.lk/files/bill/2023/3/304-2023_E.pdf
[2] For example, see – https://www.newsdrum.in/international/sri-lankas-new-counter-terrorism-draft-bill-to-be-tabled-in-parliament-this-month-pm-gunawardena, https://www.jvpsrilanka.com/english/new-anti-terrorism-act-is-an-anti-democratic-act-comrade-vijitha-herath,https://www.themorning.lk/articles/eYPiTAzjE2X8Ttz7kXxw, https://www.ft.lk/columns/Treating-protests-and-strikes-as-terrorism-ATA-requires-2-3-plus-a-referendum/4-747059 and https://www.ft.lk/columns/When-repeal-is-not-reform-An-Anti-Terrorism-Act-worse-than-the-PTA/4-746806
[3] For example, see – http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-007-2023/ and https://www.icj.org/sri-lanka-proposed-anti-terror-bill-set-to-introduce-death-penalty-and-break-existing-human-rights-violations-record/
[4] The challenges of challenging a draft Bill in the Supreme Court – https://www.themorning.lk/articles/190691