Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has urged the Government to withdraw the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, saying some provisions could undermine fundamental rights and judicial independence.
The Bill was gazetted on 22 September and is meant to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), TISL said in a statement.
TISL said the Bill’s definition of terrorism is broad and covers damage to property, the environment, cultural property and electronic systems. It said this could restrict freedom of expression, association and legitimate civic activities.
The organisation also objected to provisions giving the armed forces and Coast Guard powers of arrest, search, seizure and questioning, and to a clause allowing the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to issue detention orders for an initial two months. It said this limits the role of Magistrates.
TISL further raised concerns over the President’s power to proscribe organisations without specified time limits.
It called on the Government to repeal the PTA and to set clear limits on executive authority in any replacement law.
