The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication of the proposed ‘Protecting the State from Terrorism Bill’ in the Government Gazette and presented it in Parliament for approval.
The proposed legislation is intended to replace the existing legal framework under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, while addressing shortcomings identified in the existing law.
A technical expert committee had been appointed to prepare a preliminary draft for new legislation. The proposed Bill was subsequently formulated based on the draft prepared by the committee.
The Cabinet granted policy approval to introduce the new legislation at its meeting held on August 10, 2026.
The Bill drafted by the Legal Draftsman has also received clearance from the Attorney General.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved a proposal presented by the Minister of Justice and National Integration to publish the Bill in the Government Gazette before submitting it to Parliament for consideration and approval.
The proposed legislation will now proceed through the parliamentary process.
