“Abolition of all oppressive acts, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and ensuring civil rights of people in all parts of the country”
Despite this promise, the state has continued to use the PTA multiple times since coming into power.
The Government has appointed a committee, chaired by President’s Counsel Mr. Rienzie Arsekularatne, to examine the repeal of the PTA. However, details regarding the composition of this committee have not been made publicly available. (Cabinet Decisions taken at the Cabinet Meeting held on 19.02.2025)
A timeline to repeal the PTA and replace it with new counter-terrorism legislation has also been set. Yet, no publicly available information regarding what this timeline entails has been released.
The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has called for submissions from the public for the new Anti-Terrorism Bill. However, only 14 days were given to the public to submit feedback and provide recommendations. https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Ow1zoFeqSLu0u1QDWnOb
Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail who had been on remand for nine months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for posting a video on Instagram showing the Israeli flag being trampled was released on bail on the 15th of July by Mount Lavinia Addl. Magistrate Hemali Halpathdeniya. The magistrate ordered the release of the suspect on personal bail in Rs. 500,000 each with two sureties and postponed the case for September 16th. dailymirror Young-suspect-finally-released-after-nine-months
According to a statement made in Parliament by Minister Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka is set to officially repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by the end of September.
