PoliticsCrimeHOTThursday, June 25, 2026

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

TLDR

PTA repeal confirmed: Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to be repealed this year.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara completed replacement legislation.
Repeal expected within months; final discussions concluded.
New law targets organized crime, replaces PTA.

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.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 Jun 26 · 12:35 AM

Further details have emerged regarding the new law intended to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has completed the drafting of the replacement legislation, and final discussions on the matter have already been concluded.

Update #2\u00b7 Jun 25 · 8:31 AM

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced in Parliament today (June 25) that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be repealed this year, specifically within a few months. He stated that a new law focusing on organized crime will replace it, and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has completed the formulation of this new law.

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