Colombo-based diplomatic corps briefed on draft Anti-Terrorism Bill

A diplomatic briefing was convened on Friday (Sept. 01) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief the Colombo-based diplomatic corps on current developments related to the draft Anti-Terrorism Bill.

Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs & Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry addressed the briefing.

State Minister of Justice Anuradha Jayarathna, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, Secretary Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wasantha Perera and Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle were associated with the briefing.

At the outset, Minister Sabry recalled that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was amended in 2022 following extensive deliberations with all relevant stakeholders including the civil society, taking into consideration the constructive comments and concerns expressed by domestic and international stakeholders.

Minister Sabry outlined the steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to ensure that the draft anti-terrorism legislation addresses national security requirements while upholding international standards and best practices.

He highlighted the transparent and open consultative process that was followed in evolving the latest draft, including the consideration of views expressed by the public, civil society and international partners. The Minister informed that, following discussions on the suggested amendments, the Bill would be presented to the Cabinet for approval, and that once it is re-gazetted, any person will be able to petition to the Supreme Court with regard to the constitutionality of the Bill.

Minister Rajapakshe briefed the participants on the initiative taken by the Justice Ministry to actively reach out to the public to receive further views, pursuant to the decision of the Cabinet. He said that concerns relating to the admissibility of confessions, detention orders and the definition of terrorism were considered during the deliberations. The minister explained how these concerns have been addressed in the draft legal framework.

Additional Solicitor General Pulle presented the salient features of the draft legal framework and said that the Counter Terrorism Bill of 2018, the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Easter Sunday as well as the observations made by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the international community, were among the elements considered in developing the framework.

He said the new draft seeks to ensure the protection of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and will not include the death penalty, while judicial oversight will be ensured throughout detention. The draft Bill will be subject to the approval of the Cabinet and subsequent procedures as per the Constitution.

Following the briefing, the members of the diplomatic corps engaged in a constructive discussion and appreciated the regular briefings to the diplomatic corps on relevant developments in Sri Lanka.