Cabinet clears new anti-terror Bill to replace PTA

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 05:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Cabinet approves Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill for Gazette publication before its presentation to Parliament, following Attorney General approval
Legislation to replace 1979 PTA, addressing longstanding concerns over deficiencies in counter-terrorism and human rights framework
GSP+ is a key consideration, replacing PTA is closely linked to Sri Lanka’s continued eligibility for EU trade concessions

The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved the publication of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill in the Government Gazette, paving the way for its presentation to Parliament as a replacement for long-standing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday that the Bill, prepared by the Legal Draftsman, had received clearance from the Attorney General.

The proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act is intended to establish a new legal framework addressing shortcomings identified in the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979.

He said a technical expert committee had earlier been appointed to prepare a preliminary draft to address deficiencies in the existing legislation. Based on its recommendations, the Cabinet granted policy approval on 10 August 2026 to proceed with the new legislation.

The move comes as Sri Lanka faces continued international scrutiny over its counter-terrorism framework, particularly in relation to human rights and governance commitments linked to the European Union’s (EU) GSP+ trade concessions.

The GSP+ provides preferential access to the EU market and is particularly important to Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. Eligibility is conditional on the effective implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance.

The EU has previously called for the repeal or replacement of the PTA, making reform of the legislation an important issue ahead of Sri Lanka’s next GSP+ review.

Apparel industry stakeholders have warned that failure to replace the PTA could become a significant obstacle to retaining the concessions.

Sri Lanka lost GSP+ concessions in August 2010 amid concerns over its compliance with international human rights conventions. Following a renewed application in July 2016 and commitments to undertake reforms, the concessions were restored on 19 May 2017.

The most recent formal GSP+ monitoring cycle was conducted in 2025, following an EU delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka in April that year. EU officials subsequently indicated that the review was progressing positively, while stressing that continued eligibility would depend on progress on outstanding human rights and governance commitments.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.