Speaking at an event in Kilinochchi, the Minister revealed that the draft of the proposed legislation has already been completed and is currently in its final stage. He said preparations are underway to submit the bill to the Cabinet and Parliament within the next few months.
“We will definitely abolish the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act and introduce a revised law. It is now in its final stage. Once it is presented, you will understand how much more progressive it is compared to previous governments, and how it has been designed to better protect the rights of the people,” Nanayakkara stated.
The Minister emphasized that the new legislation has been formulated exclusively to address terrorism-related threats and will not be used to target any race, religion, or individual.
“This law has been created solely to prevent terrorism and not to target any race, religion, or individual. Others only delayed while repeatedly promising to repeal it. Now, we have completed the draft, and we are ready to present it to the Cabinet and Parliament,” he said.
According to the Minister, the government expects to present the legislation within the next two to three months, paving the way for the repeal of the PTA and the implementation of the new law before the end of the year.
The announcement marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to reform its national security legislation, which has long been the subject of domestic and international scrutiny over concerns regarding human rights and due process.
Minister Nanayakkara stressed that the proposed law seeks to strike a careful balance between safeguarding national security and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.
The government has indicated that further details of the legislation will be made public once it is formally submitted to the Cabinet and Parliament for consideration.
