The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) has condemned the government’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), noting that it poses a serious threat to democracy, fundamental rights and media freedom.
In a statement issued on the draft legislation, the SLWJA said the Bill represents an attempt to roll back democratic gains and revive authoritarian practices, undermining constitutional freedoms and Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.
It said the proposed law prioritises the consolidation of state power at the expense of citizens’ rights.
The SLWJA noted that although the National People’s Power (NPP) government was reported to have planned to present the Bill as early as August, it was made public only after a significant delay and during a state of emergency imposed following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
It said the timing and context of the release raise serious concerns about the intent behind the legislation.
While the government has allocated a one-month period for public consultation, the SLWJA said meaningful public participation is unrealistic in the aftermath of a major disaster.
It warned that this further compounds the risks posed by what it described as dangerous and abuse-prone provisions in the Bill.
Among its key concerns is an overly broad definition of terrorism, which the SLWJA said could allow peaceful protests and dissent to be criminalised.
It also raised alarm over provisions permitting prolonged pre-trial detention without charges, a practice it said has historically led to systematic abuse.
The SLWJA also raised concerns over clauses granting arrest powers to the armed forces and the Coast Guard, in addition to the police, warning that this reflects an increasing militarisation of law enforcement.
It also expressed concern over expansive executive powers to ban organisations and declare prohibited zones, which it said could revive oppressive forms of governance.
The proposed law also threatens freedom of expression, speech and privacy, the SLWJA said, posing serious risks to journalists, trade union activists and civil society members.
Describing the Bill as fundamentally anti-democratic, the SLWJA called on the government to withdraw it immediately and urged individuals and organisations committed to democracy and human rights to unite in opposition to the proposed legislation.
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