Church of Ceylon calls for repeal of PTA, withdrawal of proposed PST Bill

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 04:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Bishops of the Church of Ceylon have expressed deep concern over the Government’s decision to introduce a new anti-terrorism law, urging the immediate repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the withdrawal of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB).

In a statement, the Bishops said they were “deeply disturbed” by the move of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government to bring in what they described as another version of a draconian law under a different name, noting that the PSTB closely resembles previous failed attempts such as the draft Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) in 2018 and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in 2023.

They recalled that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his election manifesto, had pledged to abolish all oppressive laws including the PTA and ensure civil rights across the country, adding that the introduction of the PSTB amounted to a clear breach of that commitment made to the electorate.

The Bishops said the PTA, in force for nearly five decades, has been widely criticised for its abuse and misuse by security agencies, particularly against dissenting voices, journalists, human rights defenders, and minority communities.

They noted that the law has enabled arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without due process, the use of torture, and the extraction of confessions admissible in Court, while granting sweeping powers that undermine fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Joining civil society groups, the Church warned that the proposed PSTB risks reproducing the same patterns of repression associated with the PTA. They noted that the draft Bill contains broad and vague definitions of terrorism, allows suspects to be detained without charge for up to one year, and grants security forces powers to stop, search, and arrest individuals, as well as enter premises, without a warrant.

The statement also raised concern over the extensive powers conferred on the President under the proposed law, including the authority to proscribe organisations and impose curfews, warning that such powers are highly vulnerable to misuse and abuse in the Sri Lankan context.