Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today (21) that steps are underway to expedite the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

He highlighted that the new legislation has already been approved by the Cabinet‑appointed committee, marking a decisive move toward abolishing the decades‑old law.

“Once approval is granted for the new legislation, the Prevention of Terrorism Act will be abolished,” the Minister affirmed.

Nanayakkara further explained that individuals detained under the PTA for extended periods without hearings will be able to apply for bail through the relevant High Court. 

He clarified that bail is not a government policy decision, stressing that the judiciary functions independently in such matters. (Newswire)

The post Justice Minister says steps underway to expedite repeal of PTA appeared first on Newswire.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be repealed by this year.

Addressing the Parliament today (25), President Dissanayake assured that the PTA will be repealed in a few months.  

“The PTA was brought as a temporary law in 1979, but has remained in force over the past 46 years. There have been strong calls from the public to repeal the PTA,” he said. 

President Dissanayake said that Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has completed the formulation of the new law that will replace the PTA.

He further said that the final discussion on the matter has also been held, adding that the PTA will be repealed soon. (Newswire)

The post President AKD says PTA to be repealed this year appeared first on Newswire.

ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader and Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised the continued use of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the recent arrest of Tamil rapper Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, known as Hiphop Sangee, in discussions with Charles Whiteley, Head of the South Asia Division (ASIAPAC) of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels.

According to ITAK, raising the recent arrest and detention of the Tamil rapper, MP Shanakiyan expressed serious concern over the case and highlighted the implications it carries for freedom of expression, democratic freedoms, and human rights in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Shanakiyan handed over a letter from ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran regarding the arrest of Hiphop Sangee and reiterated the longstanding call for the repeal of the PTA. He emphasized that despite repeated commitments by successive governments to abolish the legislation, it continues to be used against individuals, particularly within the Tamil community.

Shanakiyan also drew attention to the implications of the continued use of the PTA in the context of Sri Lanka’s obligations under the European Union’s GSP+ trade concession scheme. He noted that the continued arrest and detention of individuals under the PTA, including the recent detention of Hiphop Sangee, raise serious concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s compliance with international human rights commitments that form the basis of GSP+ eligibility. 

He stressed that the repeated assurances given by successive governments to repeal the PTA have not been fulfilled and that the continued use of the law undermines Sri Lanka’s commitments relating to fundamental rights, freedom of expression, due process, and democratic governance.

The meeting also addressed the urgent need to conduct the long-overdue Provincial Council elections, with Shanakiyan stressing that meaningful devolution of power and democratic representation remain essential for addressing the political aspirations of the Tamil people.

Discussions further covered ongoing constitutional reform proposals, with emphasis on ensuring that any future constitutional arrangements safeguard the political rights, equality, and aspirations of the Tamil people.

Shanakiyan also raised the issue of enforced disappearances, highlighting the continued struggle of families seeking truth and justice for their missing loved ones. He stressed the importance of accountability, credible truth-seeking mechanisms, and justice in line with international standards.

The continued occupation of lands in Tamil-majority areas was another matter discussed. Shanakiyan highlighted that significant extents of land remain under military and state control and called for their expedited release and return to their rightful owners. He emphasized that land release is essential to facilitate the resettlement of displaced families, restore livelihoods, and ensure that affected communities can rebuild their lives with dignity.

Shanakiyan reiterated the importance of continued international engagement in addressing the legitimate political, human rights, and social justice concerns of the Tamil people and welcomed the European Union’s ongoing attention to these issues. (Newswire)

The post Shanakiyan raises PTA concerns and Hiphop singer’s arrest with EU official in Brussels appeared first on Newswire.

Amnesty International South Asia has made four key requests from the Sri Lankan government regarding the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), expressing concern over continued arrests and detentions under the PTA despite the administration’s commitment to repeal it.

In a post on ‘X’, Amnesty urged the government to promptly investigate allegations of abuse and misuse, probe claims of torture and ill‑treatment while ensuring due process for all detainees, impose an immediate moratorium on the use of the Act, and repeal the legislation without delay.

Amnesty further described the law’s “overly broad provisions” as incompatible with international human rights standards. 

The organization highlighted the case of 24‑year‑old Tamil hip hop artist Sangeethan Ganeskumar, known as Hiphop Sangee, who was arrested on June 2 and remanded until June 17 over a performance authorities claim glorified the LTTE. 

Amnesty stressed that “Sri Lankan authorities must immediately release Sangeethan Ganeshkumar unless he is promptly charged with an internationally recognisable offence in proceedings consistent with international fair trial standards.”

The statement also drew attention to concerns raised by family and lawyers regarding the detention of former State Intelligence Service Chief Suresh Salley, arrested in February in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. 

Amnesty stressed that suspects must be brought to justice through strict adherence to due process and fair trial rights, while victims of the bombings deserve truth, justice, and reparations.

The organization further noted that the PTA has been invoked in drug‑related cases, raising questions about its scope and application, and warned that the Act enables arbitrary practices and creates conditions conducive to torture due to the absence of safeguards. (Newswire)

Sri Lanka: @amnesty is concerned by the continued arrests and detentions carried out under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), notwithstanding the current administration’s stated commitment to repeal the legislation, which has long been criticized for its overly broad…

— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) June 8, 2026

The post Four key demands: Amnesty urges Sri Lanka to repeal PTA appeared first on Newswire.

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Canada, has raised alarm over the arrest of 24‑year‑old Tamil hip hop artist Sangeethsan Ganeskumar, known as Hiphop Sangee, under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

In a post on ‘X’, the Brampton Mayor described the move as “a flagrant violation of free speech,” stressing that criminalizing an artist for expressing his identity and sharing music undermines democratic values. 

Brown noted that successive Sri Lankan governments have repeatedly pledged to repeal the PTA but continue to weaponize it to silence dissent. 

“Since the height of the Tamil genocide in 2009, Tamils still live under intense military surveillance and systemic oppression,” he said, adding that the arrest underscores the importance of remembrance projects such as the Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton. 

He called for Ganeskumar’s immediate release and joined global human rights organizations in demanding the total abolishment of the PTA.

His comments came following concerns raised by Amnesty International South Asia, which highlighted ongoing misuse of the PTA despite government promises to repeal the law.

In a post on ‘X’, Amnesty criticized the legislation’s “overly broad provisions” and incompatibility with international human rights standards. 

The organization pointed to Ganeskumar’s arrest on June 2, noting that he has been remanded until June 17 over a performance authorities claim glorified the LTTE. 

Amnesty argued that the PTA’s vague offences do not align with international law and urged Sri Lankan authorities to release him unless charged with a recognizable offence under fair trial standards. 

“Sri Lankan authorities must immediately release Sangeethan Ganeshkumar unless he is promptly charged with an internationally recognisable offence in proceedings consistent with international fair trial standards,” Amnesty said.

Amnesty also flagged due process concerns in other cases, including the detention of former State Intelligence Service Chief Suresh Salley, arrested in February in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Families and lawyers have alleged inhumane treatment in custody. 

The organization stressed that suspects must be brought to justice through strict adherence to due process and fair trial rights, while victims of the bombings deserve truth, justice, and reparations. 

Amnesty further noted that the PTA has been invoked in drug‑related cases, raising questions about its scope and application, warning that the Act enables arbitrary practices and creates conditions conducive to torture due to the absence of safeguards.

Amnesty International has called on Sri Lankan authorities to promptly investigate allegations of abuse and misuse of the PTA, ensure full due process guarantees for all detainees, impose an immediate moratorium on its use, and repeal the legislation without delay. (Newswire)

Deeply concerned by the arrest of 24-year-old Tamil hip hop artist Sangeethsan Ganeskumar (known as Hiphop Sangee) in Sri Lanka under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Criminalizing an artist for expressing his identity and sharing music is a flagrant violation of… https://t.co/gebBuuBcRn

— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) June 8, 2026

The post Brampton Mayor condemns arrest of Tamil hip hop artist under PTA appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court was informed today (23) that the arrest and prolonged remand of a Mawanella youth under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were unlawful, with the responsible Police officer apologizing and agreeing to pay compensation.

Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhel, 21, had been remanded for nearly nine months after the Police alleged he posted content on social media in October 2024, harming the Israeli flag. 

Appearing before the court, Dehiwala Police OIC H.M.A.B. Herath expressed regret, acknowledged a violation of fundamental rights, and handed over Rs. 2 million in compensation in open court.

The petition was heard before Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Janak de Silva and Sampath Wijeratne. 

Counsel for the petitioner, Hejaaz Hizbullah, noted that the Attorney General had advised there was no basis for charges, resulting in the youth’s release by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.

Both parties agreed to settle the case, and the Supreme Court bench ordered the conclusion of proceedings. 

The youth also undertook to withdraw a complaint filed with the Human Rights Commission against the Police officer.

The 21‑year‑old youth had filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, claiming that the Police violated his fundamental rights by arresting him and remanding him under the PTA based on false information alleging he had posted content on social media harming the Israeli flag. (Newswire)

The post Police officer apologises after youth held 9 months over anti-Israel post appeared first on Newswire.

Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Education Secretary, Pubudu Jagoda, has accused the government of preparing to pass a new repressive law,

He made the remarks while addressing a special press conference in Nugegoda on Sunday (28 Dec), regarding the government’s anti‑democratic interventions, including the new anti‑terror law and emergency regulations.

“At a time when society is still reeling from the Ditwah disaster, the National People’s Power government is preparing to pass a new repressive law. They came to power promising to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act, but now they are ready to introduce an even harsher law under the name PSTA. It is clear that this law will have serious consequences for society,” he said. 

Pubudu Jagoda further claimed that under this new law, even pressuring the government not to do something can be defined as a terrorist act. 

“For example, if someone tells the government to withdraw from the destructive IMF agreement, they could be arrested as a terrorist. Similarly, one cannot even pressure a foreign government. If someone tells India to cancel agreements signed with Sri Lanka, that too could be labelled terrorism. Clearly, this law is not about protecting the state but about suppressing criticism of the government.

“The power to sign detention orders is given to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Secretary is not an elected representative accountable to the people but a political appointee. Such a person is now being given powers that belong to the judiciary. Furthermore, under Section 56, the Attorney General is allowed to pressure detainees, for instance, telling them that if they admit guilt, they will be rehabilitated and released in two years, but if not, they could face ten years in prison. Suspects could even strike deals with the Attorney General, who may then decide not to prosecute, leaving cases suspended for 20 years. What kind of law is this?” he said. 

Pubudu Jagoda noted that according to Section 63, the President can ban any organization, and that opposing such a ban is also defined as terrorism. 

“If this law is passed, even without a state of emergency, the military will be empowered to enter homes and conduct searches at will. Until now, even the police needed court approval for searches, but now the military will have authority without judicial oversight.

“Additionally, an OIC in the police will be able to examine anyone’s mobile phone, messages, and calls at any time. If an officer makes such a request, the courts cannot intervene. The government’s much‑touted ‘digital’ push was clearly aimed at this. The plan is to constantly monitor where we go, who we connect with, and what we say. Under this law, if someone posts on Facebook inviting others to join a protest at Galle Face, they could be arrested as a terrorist. The government’s digital agenda was never about improving people’s facilities. We saw during the recent disaster that even the President’s so‑called digital advisor’s telecom SIM card did not function, leaving hundreds unable to alert authorities and costing lives. Yet instead of fixing such failures, the government is bringing laws to monitor people’s online activity,” he said.

Stating that this is a very serious situation, Pubudu Jagoda urged the people of this country not to allow this law to be passed. 

“Previously, the Temporary Provisions Act for the Prevention of Terrorism was introduced with a promise to abolish it in six months, but it still remains. The government will try similar tricks with this law. Their aim is to silence the entire population. But as the Frontline Socialist Party, we are not prepared to allow such repression. We call on the people to intervene immediately to abolish this anti‑democratic law,” he added. (Newswire)

The post FSP highlights risks of new Terrorism Act appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) has strongly opposed the proposed “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act,” warning that it poses a serious threat to democracy and fundamental human rights.

Issuing a statement, the Association said this so-called Protection of the State from Terrorism Act contains a structural framework aimed at severely curtailing democracy and fundamental human rights and at entrenching authoritarian power. 

“We urge the government, if it truly values democracy, to withdraw this proposed anti-democratic legislation immediately,” it said. 

The Association also raised alarm over several provisions in the bill, including the vague and exclusionary definition of terrorism, prolonged detention without trial, and the militarization of law enforcement.

“The Act threatens freedom of speech, expression, and privacy, endangering democratic values and rights of journalists, activists, and civil society,” it added.

Calling for collective resistance, the Association urged all individuals and groups who value democracy and fundamental human rights to unite and stand in opposition to this dangerous proposed Act. (Newswire)

The post Journalists Association condemns proposed Anti-Terror Bill appeared first on Newswire.

Justice for All, a non-governmental organisation, has called for the committee report containing recommendations for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to be made public. 

Issuing a statement, Justice for All said it has always consistently advocated for the complete repeal of the PTA.

“We have seen news reports that the Committee appointed to draft the Act to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act handed over its report and the draft bill to the Minister of Justice.

“The Prevention of Terrorism Temporary Provisions Act No. 48 of 1979 has universally been regarded as a draconian piece of legislation that must be taken off the statute books for quite a long time now,” Justice for All said in a statement. 

Stating that the NPP Election Manifesto also promises to repeal the same, Justice for All said it is hopeful that the new draft bill will fully reflect this promise.

The organization further called upon the government, and the Minister of Justice in particular, to make public the said report and the draft bill. (Newswire)

The post Govt urged to publish PTA Repeal Committee Report and Draft Bill appeared first on Newswire.

A committee report containing recommendations for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has been presented to Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara.

The report was handed over by President’s Counsel Rienzi Arsakularatne, who served as the chairperson of the committee.

According to the Justice Ministry, the final draft bill proposes new anti-terror legislation to replace the Prevention of Terror Act. (Newswire)

The post PTA repeal committee recommendations handed over to Justice Minister appeared first on Newswire.

Mohamed Suhail, a 21-year-old aviation student who was arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over an anti-Israel post on social media, has been acquitted of the case. 

The Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today acquitted Muhammad Suhail, who was detained for 09 months under the PTA and released on bail on 15th July 2025. 

Attorney-at-Law Ilham Hassanali from the Lawyers for Social Justice organization, appearing on behalf of Muhammad Suhail, requested that the court release his client, as the Police have already submitted a report to the Court that the investigations have not revealed any evidence of a crime.

“Since the police have already submitted a report to the Court that the investigations have not revealed any evidence of a crime, it would be an injustice to continue keeping him bound to this case. Therefore, we humbly make an application to immediately discharge/acquit the suspect from the case,” the lawyer said, when the case was taken up for hearing today (16).

Accordingly, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate ordered that Muhammad Suhail be fully acquitted of the PTA case.

Meanwhile, the Lawyers for Social Justice has taken steps to file a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on behalf of Muhammad Suhail, and notices have been issued. 

Mohamed Suhail, a resident of Mawanella, was first arrested in October 2024 near the Israeli consular premises in Dehiwala. 

Although initially detained for not carrying his national ID, he was released by the court after producing it, only to be re-arrested shortly after under the PTA based on the Instagram post showing the Israeli flag being trampled. (Newswire)

The post Held for 9 months under PTA with no proof : Muhammad Suhail acquitted appeared first on Newswire.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath says the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be repealed by September this year.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Vijitha Herath said that the Gazette notification in this regard will be issued by the beginning of September.

“Within a short period of assuming power, we appointed a committee to study and make recommendations on the PTA. The committee has convened on multiple occasions and has started making relevant amendments to the PTA,” he said.

Minister Vijitha Herath said that the work regarding the relevant amendments will be completed by the end of August, and following this, a Gazette notification on abolishing the PTA will be issued in September.

Minister Vijitha Herath added that the PTA will be abolished next month, while a new legislation will be introduced to ensure national security, pending a final committee report.

The Foreign Minister made the announcement in response to a statement made by Opposition MP Mano Ganesan in Parliament today. (Newswire)

The post PTA to be repealed in September : Minister Vijitha Herath appeared first on Newswire.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding human rights, stating that key legal reforms and accountability measures are essential to that effort.

“Our stance is clear; the Prevention of Terrorism Act must be repealed, the Online Safety Bill must be amended and hidden crimes and unresolved murders in this country must be thoroughly investigated,” the President said.

He made the remarks while addressing Parliament on the country’s economy.

The government has come under growing scrutiny over its election pledges to address three key human rights concerns: the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the Online Safety Bill, and the investigation of unresolved murders and major crimes.

The President also acknowledged there has been an increase in the number of shooting incidents reported in the country. President Dissanayake also said that a number of Police officers and prison officials are involved in crime operations, vowing to address the issues. (Newswire)

The post PTA & Online Safety Act: President reveals Govt position appeared first on Newswire.

The Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release of Mohamed Suhail, a 21-year-old aviation student, who was arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over an anti-Israel post on social media. 

During court proceedings today (15), Mohamed Suhail was presented in open court. 

Representing the Sri Lanka Police, the OIC of the Dehiwala Police Station, Anuradha Herath, submitted to the magistrate the Attorney General’s recommendation requesting Mohamed Suhail’s release on bail.

Taking this into consideration, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate instructed the Police to release Mohamed Suhail on bail.

Representing Mohamed Suhail were senior attorney Geethma Fernando, along with attorneys Ilham Hasanali, Ashraf Mukhtar, and Behshad.  

Mohamed Suhail, a resident of Mawanella, was first arrested in October 2024 near the Israeli consular premises in Dehiwala. Although initially detained for not carrying his national ID, he was released by the court after producing it, only to be re-arrested shortly after under the PTA based on the Instagram post showing the Israeli flag being trampled.

However, last week, the Dehiwala Police OIC informed the court they had “no objection” to granting bail as they had “found no evidence” against him. 

The Dehiwala Police further informed that the  21-year-old had not committed any offence, despite being detained for nearly nine months under the PTA. (Newswire)

The post Anti-Israel post : Youth detained under PTA for 09 months granted bail appeared first on Newswire.

A letter signed by more than 240 activists, trade unions, CSOs, movements, lawyers, clergy, PTA detainees and academics has been addressed to the Justice Minister, calling for the immediate repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), without further delay.

The letter further requests that no terror law be brought to replace the PTA, citing 15 other laws in the penal code that currently exist, that can be used in the case of a “terror threat”. 

A 05-point recommendation has also been made, while also criticising the problematic composition of the Committee appointed to address the matter, and the lack of accountability for the incidence of violence and terror perpetrated by the State. 

Full statement; No Terror Laws – Committee Submission – Eng – FINAL

The post Letter to Justice Minister calls for immediate repeal of PTA appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Harsha de Silva says a 22-year-old youth recently arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (ACT) has been released in anticipation of the upcoming discussion with the European Commission.

Addressing the Parliament, MP Harsha de Silva said that despite several governments, including the incumbent government, promising to repeal the PTA, it has been used once again to detain a youth.

MP de Silva pointed out that as a European Union delegation is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in two weeks, the Government immediately released the youth who was detained under the PTA.

“A youth working at a store in Slave Island was detained under the PTA over a sticker. The detention under the PTA was made under an order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. But what happened? You received telephone calls from various persons. Due to the European Commission coming to Sri Lanka for the evaluation of the GSP+, the detained youth was released,” he said. 

The opposition MP added that the motive behind the matter cannot be concealed from the EU officials, as was done with the Sri Lankan public. (Newswire)

The post Youth detained under PTA over Gaza Sticker : Harsha tells why sudden release appeared first on Newswire.

Amnesty International South Asia has raised concerns over the detention of 22-year-old Mohamad Rusdi on 22 March 2025 in Colombo.

Issuing a statement, Amnesty International South Asia said Rusdi has been detained for ninety days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Amnesty International South Asia has expressed disappointment in the use of the PTA by authorities under Sri Lanka’s new leadership. 

Amnesty International South Asia points out that two weeks since the arrest, Sri Lankan authorities have been unable to furnish any evidence of criminal wrongdoing legitimising Rusdi’s arrest or continued detention. 

As such, the rights group urged the Sri Lankan authorities to immediately restore Rusdi’s due process rights, and, in the absence of any credible charges or credible evidence of an internationally recognisable crime being committed, release him. 

The full statement by the Amnesty International South Asia Regional Office;

Sri Lanka: @amnesty is concerned by the arrest of 22-year-old Mohamad Rusdi on 22 March 2025 in Colombo. Amnesty International has seen a copy of the Detention Order signed off by the Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on 25 March in his capacity as the Minister of Defense ordering the detention of Rusdi for a period of ninety days, issued under the powers vested in him through the notorious anti-terror law, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). We are disappointed to see the PTA in regular use by authorities under Sri Lanka’s new leadership, despite the government’s pledges that it would repeal this draconian law.

According to the Detention Order, Rusdi is detained under the suspicion that he is connected with or concerned in unlawful activity with regards to “associating with members of extremist or terrorist organizations, motivated by extremist ideologies and acting in a manner detrimental to peace and harmony among communities and knowingly concealing such information from security forces.” Two weeks since the arrest, Sri Lankan authorities have been unable to furnish any evidence of criminal wrongdoing legitimising his arrest or continued detention. 

The Sri Lankan authorities must immediately restore Rusdi’s due process rights, including ensuring that he has unfettered access to his family and lawyers, and, in the absence of any charges of credible evidence of an internationally recognisable crime being committed, release him. 

Furthermore, in order to breakaway from the authorities’ past practices of abusing the PTA for decades, the new Sri Lankan government must be resolute in its stance on the PTA and issue strict guidelines to authorities to desist from resorting to and abusing the PTA’s vast powers where there is no legitimate suspicion of a terror offence. There must be an immediate moratorium on the use of the PTA and the government should make public a timeline for its plans to do away with this abusive law. Those affected by the PTA must be provided remedies and reparations for the injustice they have suffered. (Newswire)

The post Amnesty International concerned over detention of 22 yr old under PTA appeared first on Newswire.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is not part of the government’s policy or aspirations, but it will be used cautiously until a new law is introduced, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said in Parliament today (21).

“What is to be said about the PTA is that it is neither our aspiration nor policy. However, until a new law is drafted, the existing legislation must be used with extreme care. This is necessary until the government enacts new laws,” Rathnayake said.

He was responding to concerns raised in Parliament by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rauff Hakeem about the alleged misuse of the PTA, particularly regarding an incident involving Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP S. Sritharan.

Hakeem said that MP Sritharan was prevented from traveling to India recently, with immigration officers citing a travel ban. Hakeem argued that such a ban requires a court order, which was not in place. Following clarification, Sritharan was allowed to proceed with his journey, Hakeem said.

Responding to the concern, Rathnayake said that Immigration and Emigration officials have been instructed to investigate the matter and submit a report. The Deputy Minister of Defence has also been informed to look into the issue, the Leader of the House said.

Rathnayake expressing his regret for the inconvenience caused to MP Sritharan, said that the government was committed to ensure the privileges of the MP. “It is clear that this was not a misuse of the PTA in this instance. This is not what was communicated by him. So this is not an incident that was caused by a government decision or policy,” Rathnayake said. (Newswire)

The post Govt clarifies stance on PTA appeared first on Newswire.

In a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 25 civil society organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders, called on the Sri Lankan government to protect press freedom and ensure accountability for crimes against journalists.

The letter stressed on the need to reopen investigations into violence against journalists, particularly during and after the civil war, and highlighted cases such as the 2005 murder of journalist Dharmeratnam Sivaram and the 2010 disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda.

The organizations also urged the repeal of laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Online Safety Act, which they say have been used to suppress media freedom.

“Repeal the Online Safety Act, which grants sweeping powers to a commission appointed by the President to censor online content, thereby creating a chilling effect on human rights, including the right to freedom of expression. The law should be replaced with new cybersecurity legislation aimed at addressing genuine online harms, such as harassment and fraud, rather than enabling disproportionate and unjustified restrictions on peaceful online speech and jeopardizing the right to privacy,” the statement said.

President Dissanayake’s leadership was described as a historic opportunity to address Sri Lanka’s long-standing issues of impunity and media rights violations. The organizations pledged support for efforts to uphold press freedom and human rights. (Newswire)

The post Repeal PTA and OSA, civil society organisations urge President appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled that the arrest and detention of former Western Province Governor Azath Salley in 2021, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), was unlawful. 

The Court further ordered compensation of Rs. 75,000 to be paid by the respondents.

The respondents include former Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera and the then Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Azath Salley was arrested on 16 March 2021, under the PTA, for his remarks at a press briefing on 9 March 2021, after the remarks were allegedly deemed to “incite strife among religious groups”. 

He was acquitted of all charges filed against him by the Colombo High Court on 2 December 2021, after nearly nine months in detention. (Newswire)

The post Court rules Azath Salley’s 2021 arrest & detention unlawful appeared first on Newswire.