Govt. to repeal controversial Terrorism Prevention Act

Saturday, 23 August 2025 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath tells Parliament draft bill repealing PTA to be gazetted in Sept.
Acknowledges need to repeal controversial law
Notes PTA not targeting minorities, currently used against organised crime
Says Govt. working on new law to fight narcotics-related crime

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament yesterday that the Government is moving to repeal the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). A draft bill to repeal the PTA would be gazetted in early September, he said.

He explained that the law is currently applied against organised crime and underworld activities, noting that most individuals detained under the PTA are Sinhalese linked to drugs and underworld networks, rather than minorities.

Human rights and minority groups have long criticised the PTA’s misuse, and Minister Herath acknowledged these concerns.

“We recognise that the PTA must be changed—there is no debate about that—and steps are already underway to repeal it. That decision is not in question.”

He further said that a new Bill would soon be presented, designed specifically to tackle organised crime and narcotics-related offences.

“At present, the PTA is used because existing laws are insufficient to deal with these offenders. We are now working on replacing it with legislation that is clearer and more effective,” he said.