SLPP pledges to strengthen counter-terrorism legislation

• Says strengthening anti-terror laws will be a priority of new Parliament 
• Argues Govt. took measures to maintain social distancing at former Minister Thondaman’s funeral and wants politicisation of funeral to end 

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said it would strengthen counter-terrorism legislation to avert any repeat of terror attacks such as the Easter Sunday bombings and insisted that would be considered as a priority task if it won the upcoming Parliamentary Elections. 

Speaking to media at the SLPP Head Office, Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said they would take necessary steps to improve the country’s counter-terrorism operations to eliminate any terror threat. He also noted measures would be taken for security agencies to continue their operations without any legal constraints to improve national security.

“The previous administration attempted to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). However, we view the PTA as vital to protect national security,” he said.

Prof. Peiris noted that even though the SLPP’s view was that strengthening the PTA was important, it would nonetheless discuss it in the new Parliament. He emphasised the SLPP would take all necessary measures to improve the country’s national security and eliminate any threats similar to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Referring to the delayed election, Prof. Peiris opined it could undermine democratic rights of the citizens. He argued there were no legal restrictions to continue preparations for the elections.

“It is the Election Commission’s responsibility to hold an election on time. The citizens have the right to elect their representatives, which is vital for a democratic state. Health officials have expressed their views about the prevailing situation and the elections should be held under the guidance of the health authorities,” he argued.

Responding to questions about the funeral of former Minister Arumugam Thondaman and concerns about maintaining social distancing, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said at the time the former Minister’s funeral was held, COVID-19 had been controlled to a considerable extent.

“The earlier situation and the situation when the former Minister’s final rites were conducted were different. Therefore we cannot compare what exists now with what happened in the early stages. However, the Government has taken necessary measures such as imposing curfew to minimise public gatherings and the final rites were conducted while maintaining social distancing measures,” he argued. 

Kariyawasam also said the situation should not be viewed from a political perspective and called on the Opposition not to take political advantage of the situation.