The National Peace Council (NPC) said that the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) could replicate the abuses of the long-standing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The NPC said the consultation period offers a valuable opportunity to avoid repeating past mistakes, noting that meaningful public engagement is essential to ensure the new law does not entrench another draconian framework with long-lasting consequences.
It highlighted that while the PSTA is intended to replace the PTA, preliminary review indicates the draft retains core features that have historically allowed serious abuses, including provisions permitting detention for up to two years without formal charges.
the NPC said that the broad definition of terrorism could allow acts of dissent and civil disobedience to be classified as terrorism, enabling disproportionate state responses.
“The continued application of the PTA, where individuals have been detained for prolonged periods even for non-terrorism related reasons…demonstrates how easily exceptional powers are extended to ordinary disputes,” the NPC said in its statement.
It also highlighted that the PTA, originally intended as a temporary law for six months, has remained in force for 46 years, showing the difficulty of repealing national security legislation once enacted.
It urged lawmakers and civil society to consider the enduring impact of such laws, stressing that legal frameworks must protect citizens from future governments, not only the current administration.
The NPC called on civil society organizations, the legal community, and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to study the draft law carefully and submit recommendations.
Suggested safeguards include provisions for speedy judicial review to release individuals improperly detained and compensation for those held for months or years without charges.
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