The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication and subsequent submission to Parliament of a new Bill titled the “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act”, aimed at replacing the existing Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.
The decision follows the government’s view that a new legal framework is required to address shortcomings in the existing anti-terrorism legislation. A Technical Expert Committee had earlier been appointed to prepare a preliminary draft on the proposed legislation.
Following the preparation of the preliminary draft, the Cabinet granted in-principle approval on August 10, 2026, to introduce the new Act.
A draft Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman has subsequently received clearance from the Attorney General, paving the way for the next stage of the legislative process.
Accordingly, Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by Minister of Justice and National Integration to publish the Bill in the Government Gazette and thereafter present it to Parliament for approval.
