Sri Lanka gazettes new anti-terrorism bill to replace PTA

The Sri Lankan Government has gazetted the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, which is intended to repeal and replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.

The proposed legislation has been ordered to be published by the Minister of Justice and National Integration and introduces a new legal framework aimed at protecting national security and the public from terrorism and related offences.

The Bill applies to terrorist acts and related offences committed within Sri Lanka as well as outside the country.

It also seeks to prevent Sri Lankan territory or its people from being used to plan, prepare or facilitate terrorist acts in other countries.

The proposed law sets out procedures for the detection, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention and investigation of individuals suspected of committing terrorism-related offences.

It also provides legal procedures for the prosecution and punishment of those found responsible for such offences.

The gazetting of the Bill marks a major legislative step towards replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which has been in force since 1979, with a new legal framework covering terrorism-related offences and national security.

The proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill must now proceed through the parliamentary process before it can become law.