News
Liberal Youth Movement says Anti-Terrorism Bill paves way for state abuse and human rights violations
The Liberal Youth Movement has expressed deep concern over the potential for state abuse and human rights violations that could be resultant from the newly proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill.
The movement has in a statement said: It is essential that any legislation enacted to protect citizens from terrorism is designed with robust human rights protections to prevent misuse and uphold fundamental freedoms.
While the Bill does incorporate some positive elements, such as basic due process rights, we are concerned that these safeguards may not be sufficient to protect constitutionally guaranteed rights or prevent a continuation of abuse by successive governments under the guise of countering terrorism.
Of particular concern is the Bill’s definition of terrorism, which deviates from internationally accepted standards and introduces broad and undefined elements. This could lead to the criminalization of activities and opinions that do not constitute terrorism under international law.
Additionally, the Bill grants excessive powers to members of the armed forces, leading to the further militarisation of law enforcement and increasing the risk of human rights violations. This includes the power to arrest without evidence or due process, search without authorisation, and issue detention orders without oversight.
Moreover, the proposed legislation undermines the role of magistrates, granting the police more power over detention decisions and limiting the ability of magistrates to act as a check on police actions. This further erodes the separation of powers and weakens the oversight mechanisms necessary to prevent abuse.
The establishment of a parallel institution to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the Independent Review Panel (IRP), raises questions about its function and transparency. The IRP’s powers, remedies, and relationship with the Human Rights Commission are unclear, and its confidentiality requirement appears to be more focused on protecting perpetrators than safeguarding complainants.
The Bill’s provisions also concentrate power in the hands of the President, allowing for the proscription of organisations and the declaration of “prohibited places” without transparent processes or objective criteria. This creates a situation ripe for arbitrary decision-making and unchecked executive power.
In conclusion, the Liberal Youth Movement urges a thorough review of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill to ensure that it meets international human rights standards, prevents abuse, and upholds the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Sri Lanka. We call for increased transparency, oversight, and the implementation of safeguards that protect citizens from potential state abuse.”
It has been reported quoting police sources that the death toll from the renewed unrest at the Negombo Prison which this morning, has risen from nineteen to twenty five (25).
A clash initially broke out between two groups of inmates (a group of remand prisoners and a group of convicted inmates serving sentences) at the Negombo Prison at around 1.00 p.m. on Sunday (05).
Two inmates died in yesterday’s clash, while around 40 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at hospital.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the children of Sri Lanka are well capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical ways of thinking, and that the Government is committed to equipping them with the required knowledge and modern technologies necessary to realize their full potential.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening of the ’Arumasiya’ Exhibition and the occasion of laying the foundation stone for a new three-storey building at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, on the 4th of July.
During the visit, the Prime Minister officially declared open the exhibition showcasing the students’ innovations and creative talents and commended them for their remarkable achievements. The Prime Minister also participated in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the construction of the College’s new three-storey building.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“It is a pleasure to participate in this special event at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, the school where Sri Lanka’s first female Prime Minister received her education
I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition featuring the outstanding creations and innovations of the students. What I witnessed was a group of talented young people who have moved beyond textbook learning and are capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical thinking.
We are introducing a new education reform process that moves away from a rote-learning, examination-oriented system towards a practical and skills-based one. The Government is now systematically completing all the necessary preparations to implement the new education reforms scheduled to commence in 2027.
Our objective is to ensure that every child leaving school has access to vocational and technical education that matches their individual talents and meets the demands of the modern labour market. We are committed to transforming vocational education into a field that enjoys the same dignity and recognition as university education.
Finally, I commend the Principal and the academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College for organizing this exhibition, and to the students and parents whose dedication made this event a success.”
The event was attended by Members of Parliament for Ratnapura District Wasantha Pushpa Kumara and Sunil Rajapaksha, the Mayor of Balangoda and members of the Municipal Council, the Zonal Director of Education, the Principal and academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, parents, and students.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
The appointment of a Special Parliamentary Ombudsman (SPO) to inquire into the complaints against the Attorney General, as promised in the NPP manifesto, is on hold, pending the establishment of an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
Authoritative sources told The Island that the Justice and National Integration Ministry was awaiting the recommendations, regarding the new legislation for the establishment of such an Office, from a Committee of Technical Experts, chaired by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC.
Responding to a query raised in Parliament by SJB lawmaker Ajith P. Perera about the delay in appointment of SPO, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government couldn’t take a decision until the Kodagoda Committee made recommendations.
Nanayakkara said that the positioning of the SPO couldn’t be decided before they differentiate the powers of the Attorney General and the an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
According to the NPP manifesto, provincial Sub Officers were to be established under a senior Additional Solicitor General.
Opposition sources pointed out that the relevant Cabinet decision was taken on 7 May 2025. According to the Cabinet Office, the government decided to establish an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers in line with a proposal made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in her final report on Sri Lanka, submitted in September, 2024.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
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