21 December 2025
Press Release – Proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act
The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association strongly condemns, with deep concern, the current government’s attempt to drag the country back into the dark chapters of its history by posing a grave threat to democracy and fundamental human rights, which are at present protected only partially, through the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act that has now been made public.
The inclusion of severe and far-reaching provisions in the legislative framework of this proposed Act clearly demonstrates that priority has been given to maintaining state power at any cost, in blatant disregard of citizens’ constitutional freedoms and Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations. Although it was reported that the National People’s Power (NPP) government initially intended to present this Bill as far back as August, it is particularly concerned that it has now been released after a considerable delay under a state of emergency imposed in the aftermath of the severe disaster linked to Cyclone Ditwah.
Although one month has been allocated for public consultation, it is unrealistic to expect meaningful public participation in the aftermath of a disaster. This situation further intensifies the already alarming nature of the content of the proposed Act. Moreover, the Bill contains dangerous provisions that are highly susceptible to abuse.
Overly Broad Definition of Terrorism: The definition of terrorism has been framed in an alarmingly broad manner. Despite the presence of vague and exclusionary clauses, there remains a serious risk that even peaceful protests could be criminalized under this law.
Prolonged Pre-Trial Detention: Another deeply troubling aspect of the proposed Act is the provision for detention prior-to a trial. Under these provisions, individuals may be detained without charges, a practice that has historically been associated with systematic abuse by the Sri Lankan state.
Militarization of Law Enforcement: In addition to the police, the proposed Act grants the armed forces and the Coast Guard the authority to carry out arrests. This further reinforces a dangerous trend towards the militarization of law enforcement and the maintenance of public order.
Abuse of Expansive Executive Powers: With sweeping executive powers to ban organizations and declare prohibited zones, the proposed Act signals a serious risk of reviving oppressive governance practices reminiscent of authoritarian rule in the past.
Suppression of Freedom of Speech and Expression:The proposed Act also poses grave threats to citizens’ freedom of speech and expression, as well as to the right to privacy. Consequently, it creates a serious social danger of suppressing democratic values and the fundamental rights of all citizens, including journalists, trade union activists, and civil society actors.
As this so-called Protection of the State from Terrorism Act contains a structural framework aimed at severely curtailing democracy and fundamental human rights and at entrenching authoritarian power, we urge the government, if it truly values democracy, to withdraw this proposed anti-democratic legislation immediately.
Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association calls upon all individuals and groups who value democracy and fundamental human rights to unite and stand in opposition to this dangerous proposed Act.