Government to replace PTA with three new acts - defence sec

by admin
Jun 13, 2016

The Sri Lankan government is planning to replace the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act with three new acts. The National Security Act, the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act and the Intelligence Act will replace the PTA and are aimed at preventing the re-emergence of terrorism, consolidate inter communal harmony, the rule of law and national security, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi told the Daily Mirror.

“All these new legislative measures are still in the formative stage and being drafted,” Mr Hettiarachchi said.

Earlier this week Human Rights Watch urged the government to announce a moratorium on the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act until it is fully repealed

“So long as the PTA is in place and being used, the Sri Lankan government will have a hard time convincing the Human Rights Council that it is keeping its commitments. Revoking the PTA is absolutely crucial for ensuring respect for the basic rights of criminal suspects and the rule of law in Sri Lanka,” HRW said in a statement.

Sri Lanka must place a moratorium on PTA use until it is repealed - Human Rights Watch (13 June 2016)

US working with Sri Lanka to implement HRC resolution - Nisha Biswal (24 May 2016)

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