Sri Lanka Advances Repeal of Prevention of Terrorism Act, New Law in Final Stages

Sri Lanka is set to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a law in effect for over four decades since its introduction in 1979. Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara announced that the draft of the new legislation to replace the PTA is completed and in its final stage, with preparations underway to present it to the Cabinet and Parliament soon. This policy shift, also indicated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aims to enhance democratic freedoms while introducing new measures against organized crime. Public opinions on the draft have been received, reflecting sustained opposition to the PTA and a desire for a better legal framework.