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Sri Lanka: Rights groups sound alarm over proposed anti-terror law
Sri Lanka’s government has proposed a new counter-terrorism law, the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), to replace the long-criticised Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Rights advocates say the draft retains serious risks to civil liberties, despite the government’s argument that stronger powers are needed to address extremist groups.
Critics point to a broad definition of terrorism, limited safeguards and powers allowing security forces to stop, search and question people on “reasonable suspicion”; the bill would also give police powers to the military. Lawyer Dhanushka Silva says Section 9 could expose some social media posts to scrutiny and carry sentences of up to 15 years. The UN human rights office has urged Sri Lanka to ensure the bill complies with international law, while a survivor of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings warns that counter-terrorism measures must not target innocent people or suppress rights.
In short
- Sri Lanka proposes the PSTA to replace its controversial PTA.
- Rights groups warn the draft could threaten civil liberties.
- Some terrorism-related social media offences could carry up to 15 years.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The government can argue that it needs effective powers to prevent attacks and respond to extremist groups, and that a replacement law offers an opportunity to update the long-criticised PTA. Powers to investigate credible threats and address incitement may help protect public safety, provided they are clearly defined and subject to meaningful oversight.
The case against
Rights advocates can argue that the draft’s broad terrorism definition, limited safeguards and wide stop-and-question powers risk sweeping up peaceful activity, including some social media posts. Giving police powers to the military and allowing lengthy sentences could chill expression and enable abuses, so the law should meet international human-rights standards and protect people from being targeted without sufficient cause.