The National People’s Power (NPP) government is likely to retain the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA) without any amendments or repeal, despite prior promises made in their election manifesto. The manifesto pledged to reform the PTA, describing it as a law that had historically been misused and stating the NPP’s commitment to aligning anti-terrorism efforts with human rights protections.
In an interview with The Daily Morning, Presidential Secretariat Director (Legal) J.M. Wijebandara clarified the government’s stance, emphasizing that the primary issue lies not with the PTA’s existence but with its misuse against civil activists and journalists. “The issue was about the misuse of the PTA against civil activists and journalists, which we will not allow. It will only be applied based on credible intelligence information, and it will not be used for political revenge. When the Act is not misused, no issues will arise,” Wijebandara stated.
Further underscoring the government’s commitment, Wijebandara likened the PTA to other unimplemented laws that remain on the books without active enforcement, contingent on policy decisions.
Recently, at least two individuals have reportedly been detained under the PTA on suspicion of planning an attack in Arugambay targeting Israeli nationals. The Anti-Terrorism and Investigation Division on October 29 informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena that two suspects were detained for 90 days. This underscores the government’s intent to use the PTA exclusively in cases of credible threats to national security.
However, Minister Vijitha Herath pointed out at the cabinet press briefing on October 29 that the issue of the Prevention of Terrorism Act would be taken up in the next parliament.
