Sri Lanka urged to repeal PTA at UNHRC session

Wednesday, 4 March 2026 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Core Group yesterday urged the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and pressed for stronger action on accountability and human rights reform, in a joint statement at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Speaking on behalf of Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom, UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders conveyed condolences over the lives lost in Cyclone Ditwah and acknowledged steps allowing conflict-era memorialisation, calling it essential for reconciliation.

However, the group reiterated that the PTA should be repealed and not used, warning that the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill raises deeper concerns than earlier drafts. It stressed that any counter-terrorism law must comply with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.

Full statement:

This statement is on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group: Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the UK.

We extend condolences to Sri Lanka for the loss caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November.

We acknowledge the Government’s steps to allow communities of different backgrounds to commemorate losses from the conflict era. Memorialisation is vital to reconciliation, and we encourage continued progress.

We reiterate our call for the repeal, and non-use, of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The latest version of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill raises even greater concerns than previously. Counter-terrorism legislation must comply with Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations.

While some military-held land has been released, the pace of releases remains too slow. We note recent commitments by the President on transitional justice, anti-racism, and emblematic human rights cases; however, concrete results are still limited. Key institutions remain weak, and threats against witnesses, victims, and journalists associated with cases persist.

Strong, independent domestic institutions are vital to uphold human rights. The planned independent prosecutor’s office must be translated into action.

Finally, we thank OHCHR for its report on conflict-related sexual violence and honour those who shared their experiences. We urge Sri Lanka to engage constructively, strengthen legal protections, and ensure justice for survivors.