New anti-terror Bill gazetted to replace PTA

Thursday, 24 September 2026 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Justice and National Integration Ministry yesterday said that the Bill to Protect the State from Terrorism has been Gazetted. The Bill seeks to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with new legislation.

The Bill was Gazetted on 22 September, 2026, on the direction of Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

According to the Ministry, the new Bill has been drafted to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 49 of 1979, and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to it.

A key objective of the Bill is to protect the country and its people from terrorist activities within or outside Sri Lanka. It places particular emphasis on preventing Sri Lankan territory or Sri Lankan citizens from being used for international terrorist activities.

The Ministry said that, with Cabinet approval, the Minister had appointed a Committee of Experts. The Committee was tasked with formulating new legislation that could address emerging security challenges while repealing the PTA.

The Committee prepared the Bill following consultations and after receiving views from the public, civil society and the international community, the Ministry said.