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SL Anti-Terrorism Bill less draconian than one in Britain

Published

2 years ago

2024/01/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr Rajapakshe

– Justice Minister Rajapakshe

By Saman Indrajith

Justice Minister Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday told Parliament that the provisions contained in the Anti-Terrorism Bill, presented to the House, were less severe and harsh than those in the counter terrorism laws in Great Britain.

Dr. Rajapakshe said so responding to a question raised by SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, who asked the Minister to explain the changes the new Bill envisaging to be introduced to the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Earlier in the day, the Minister presented the Bill to the House and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera read out the Bill’s preamble: “Anti-Terrorism,— Bill to make provision for the protection of the National Security of Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka from acts of terrorism, other offences associated with terrorism and certain specified acts constituting the offence of terrorism committed within or outside Sri Lanka; for the prevention of the use of Sri Lankan territory and its people for the preparation for terrorism outside Sri Lanka; to provide for the detection, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of any person who has committed an act of terrorism or any other offence associated with terrorism; for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979; and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”

Responding to MP Hakeem, Minister Dr. Rajapakshe said: “The Prevention of Terrorism Act had many criticisms against it. In 2015, we started the process of bringing a new law under the name of Counter Terrorism Act. It was presented to Parliament and then challenged before the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court has issued its determination on the Counter Terrorism Bill.”

However, the then government had not been able to proceed with the Bill and following the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the proces had come to a halt. “In 2022, we resumed the process. We decided to bring about a new Act on the matter. We formulated a new Act, and it took one and half years because we allowed all stakeholders to express their views on this. We met with all Ambassadors and High Commissioners in this country and explained to them the content of this legislation. They also approved it.

“Thereafter we gazetted it and hoped to take it up in Parliament in November, but there were concerns that if we presented the Bill in the House, it would hinder the chances for people to go before the court against it because court vacation was to commence soon. There were requests from many parties to postpone it. As such, we delayed the process. Briefly I can explain some of the changes that we introduced. A court can convict a person on the basis of a confession. It is not recognized under the normal law of evidence. Yet it was possible under the special laws of the PTA.

It was the biggest criticism against the PTA. We have removed that and now it goes as per the normal law of evidence. The second issue of contention was that as per the existing law, the Defence Minister has the powers to issue detention orders. The Defence Minister can give a detention order for three months and he can also extend it.

There was a proposal that powers should be given to the DIGs. We now plan to give those powers to the Defence Secretary. As per the law to be introduced, the Defence Secretary can give a detention order for one month and if there is a need to extend that, then prior approval of a magistrate is needed. So, we brought the detention under the courts’ powers. In addition, the Human Rights Commission would be given powers to visit and inspect those under detention.

“We did not have a definition for the term terrorism. Though there is an internationally accepted definition for the term corruption there is no such definition for the term terrorism. Each country has defined it as per their needs and requirements. We have brought about a definition for the term terrorism which is quite similar to the definition in the Counter Terrorism Act in Great Britain. However, our definition is not as severe as the one in Great Britain.”

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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.