Colombo, 28 August 2025.
A coalition of concerned citizens, political activists, and civil society organisations has issued a strongly worded letter to Minister of Justice and National Integration, Mr. Harshana Nanayakkara, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the promised repeal of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The group, which met with Minister Nanayakkara on 29 May 2025 to submit their formal recommendations for repealing the PTA, expressed alarm over recent developments suggesting that the government may bypass its commitment to public consultation. At the meeting, the Minister assured attendees that a comprehensive White Paper would be circulated prior to any legislative action, outlining the rationale for repealing the PTA and the government’s intent regarding any replacement law. He also pledged that sufficient time would be provided for public engagement.
However, in a parliamentary address on 22 August, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced that a draft Bill to repeal the PTA would be published in the Government Gazette in early September—without any mention of the promised White Paper or public consultation process. The coalition is now calling for urgent clarification from Minister Nanayakkara before the gazette publication proceeds.
Alarming Arrest Statistics Under PTA
The letter highlights troubling statistics shared by the NPP Government with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights:
- 49 arrests under the PTA between January and 23 May 2025
- 38 arrests under the PTA throughout 2024
Activists argue that these figures reflect the continued misuse of a law widely acknowledged—even by government officials—as draconian and outdated.
Key Demands from Civil Society Group
The coalition reiterated its firm stance that the PTA should be repealed outright and not replaced with another anti-terror law. Citing the existence of at least 15 provisions within the current criminal justice system—including the Penal Code—that already address terrorism-related offenses, they argue that no special legislation is necessary.
Their demands to the NPP Government include:
- Repeal the PTA as a standalone legislative act
- Halt publication of any new anti-terror Bill until the promised White Paper is released and publicly debated
- Impose an immediate moratorium on PTA enforcement until repeal
- Expedite justice for current PTA detainees through legal and political means, including Presidential Pardons and withdrawal of unsupported charges
- Provide reparations to those detained but not convicted under the PTA, including formal apologies, compensation, healthcare, and livelihood support. Families of individuals who died in custody should also be acknowledged and compensated.
The group has also reattached their original Committee Submission from May for the Minister’s reference.
As the September deadline looms, civil society is watching closely to see whether the government will honor its commitment to transparency and democratic process—or risk further erosion of public trust.