By The Pulseline News Desk
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns with representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Colombo over the Government’s proposed anti-terrorism and organised crime legislation, warning that efforts to strengthen national security must not undermine fundamental rights and constitutional safeguards.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, discussions focused on the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, particularly their potential implications for judicial independence, individual liberties and the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary.
Former MP M.A. Sumanthiran, along with serving and former parliamentarians, have also highlighted concerns over provisions in the proposed legislation.
Premadasa has maintained that effective legal measures were necessary to combat terrorism and organised crime but stressed that such laws must incorporate adequate judicial oversight and safeguards against the arbitrary exercise of executive powers.
The discussions come amid mounting criticism from legal and human rights institutions over the proposed legislation.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), in a statement issued on October 21, described the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill as “wholly incompatible” with the fundamental rights chapter of the Constitution and Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.
The Commission warned that the Bill could be more draconian than the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979 and called for its withdrawal and substantial revision.
Among its concerns were provisions permitting confessions to senior police officers, executive-authorised detention, broad definitions of serious offences and restrictions on judicial discretion in decisions concerning remand and bail.
The HRCSL has separately called for revisions to the proposed terrorism legislation, urging narrower definitions of terrorism, judicial supervision of detention orders, access to legal representation and stronger safeguards governing bail.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has also called for the withdrawal of the organised crime bill and the withdrawal or amendment of the proposed terrorism legislation in its current form.
Against this backdrop, Premadasa has called for the publication of recommendations made by expert committees and broader consultations with the HRCSL, BASL and other stakeholders before the Bills proceed further.
He has emphasised that constitutional protections were essential not only for politicians and activists but also for ordinary citizens who could become subject to the criminal justice system.
The Opposition Leader has also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, arguing that domestic legal concerns should primarily be addressed through Parliament, the judiciary and national institutions, while maintaining constructive engagement with diplomatic representatives.
He has reiterated the Opposition’s willingness to support effective security legislation, provided it protects the public without compromising constitutional democracy, judicial independence and individual freedoms.
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