By The Pulseline News Desk
The Government has moved to replace Sri Lanka’s long-standing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with a new legal framework, with Cabinet approving the publication of a Bill titled the “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act” (PSTA) and its subsequent submission to Parliament.
The proposed legislation is intended to replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, which has remained one of the country’s most controversial pieces of security legislation for decades.
The Cabinet decision marks the latest step in the Government’s efforts to introduce a new legal framework for dealing with terrorism, following its assessment that the existing legislation contains shortcomings that need to be addressed.
A Technical Expert Committee had previously been appointed to prepare a preliminary draft of the proposed legislation. Following the completion of that draft, Cabinet had granted in-principle approval on August 10, 2026, to proceed with the introduction of a new Act.
A Bill subsequently prepared by the Legal Draftsman has now received clearance from the Attorney General, allowing the Government to move into the formal legislative process.
Accordingly, Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to publish the Bill in the Government Gazette and thereafter present it to Parliament for approval.
The move is significant given the long-running debate over Sri Lanka’s counter-terrorism laws, particularly the broad powers provided under the existing PTA and concerns raised over its use in relation to arrest, detention and investigations.
The PTA was introduced in 1979 as temporary legislation but remained in force for decades, becoming a central component of the State’s legal response to terrorism during and after the country’s prolonged armed conflict.
Successive governments have faced pressure to repeal or substantially reform the law, both domestically and internationally, with human rights advocates and other stakeholders calling for counter-terrorism legislation that provides stronger safeguards for fundamental rights and due process.
The Government’s decision to proceed with a replacement law therefore comes at a politically and legally significant moment. While authorities have emphasised the need for an effective framework to protect national security, the contents of the proposed Bill are expected to come under close scrutiny once it is gazetted and presented to Parliament.
The legislative process will also provide an opportunity for Parliament and other stakeholders to examine whether the proposed framework adequately balances national security requirements with constitutional protections, judicial oversight and individual rights.
The Government has described the proposed legislation as a response to shortcomings in the existing legal framework. However, the ultimate impact of the new law will depend on the specific powers it grants to law enforcement authorities, the safeguards built into those powers and the mechanisms available for judicial and institutional oversight.
With Cabinet approval now secured for publication, the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act is expected to become a major item on Sri Lanka’s legislative agenda.
The next stage will be the publication of the Bill in the Government Gazette, followed by its presentation to Parliament. Its provisions are likely to determine whether Sri Lanka’s decades-old debate over the PTA enters a new phase — or whether many of the concerns associated with the existing counter-terrorism framework continue under a new name.
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