By The Pulseline News Desk
The Government is set to formally introduce the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA) in Parliament tomorrow (6), marking a significant step towards replacing Sri Lanka’s long-standing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The Bill has been included in Parliament’s Order Paper for its First Reading and is scheduled to be presented by the Minister of Justice and National Integration at the commencement of public business.
According to the Order Paper, Cabinet approval has already been granted for the proposed legislation.
The PSTA Bill seeks to establish a legal framework to protect Sri Lanka and its people from acts of terrorism, terrorism-related offences and specified conduct constituting terrorism, whether committed within or outside the country.
It also seeks to prevent Sri Lankan territory and its people from being used in the preparation or facilitation of terrorist activities outside the country.
The proposed legislation contains provisions covering the detection, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of persons accused of terrorism and related offences.
A key feature of the Bill is its proposed repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979 (PTA), which has been in force for decades and has been the subject of longstanding concerns over its use and its impact on fundamental rights.
The introduction of the PSTA Bill comes as the Government seeks to establish a new legal framework for dealing with terrorism while replacing the existing PTA.
Following its First Reading, the Bill will proceed through Parliament’s legislative process, including scrutiny of its provisions and consideration of any legal challenges or amendments that may arise.
The proposed replacement of the PTA is likely to attract close attention from political parties, civil society and legal groups, particularly over provisions governing arrest, detention, investigations and safeguards for persons accused of terrorism-related offences.
The Bill’s progress through Parliament will therefore be closely watched as the Government moves to overhaul Sri Lanka’s counter-terrorism legislation and introduce a new framework for addressing national security threats.
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