President appoints advisory board for guidance on PTA

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday appointed an Advisory Board under Section 13 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) No. 48 of 1979.

Director General of Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Harigupta Rohanadeera, said that the three-member advisory board would be chaired by former Chief Justice Ashoka de Silva with the other members being retired High Court Judge A.A.R. Heiyanthuduwa and former Solicitor General Suhada Gamlath.

The panel is expected to make recommendations and advise the President on future decisions, including inquiries into the individuals imprisoned for terrorist activities and detained under detention orders, release and granting bail.

According to a statement from the President’s Media Division, due to the long-time absence of such an advisory board, those who were detained under the PTA did not have a right to produce their claims; with the appointment of the new advisory council such prisoners will be given an opportunity to present their issues.