COLOMBO – Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has officially called upon the Government to immediately withdraw the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB), warning that the legislation contains draconian provisions that could severely undermine fundamental democratic rights and the rule of law.
In a formal statement released today, the corruption watchdog argued that the bill, in its current form, grants overly broad powers to law enforcement and executive authorities. TISL contends that these powers are ripe for abuse and risk being weaponized to stifle political dissent, silence civil society organizations, and curtail the activities of journalists and activists.
“The proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill is a regression in the protection of civil liberties,” a TISL spokesperson stated. “While national security is a legitimate concern for any state, this legislation goes far beyond what is necessary to combat terrorism. Its vague definitions and excessive reach threaten the democratic fabric of Sri Lanka by criminalizing legitimate forms of protest and freedom of expression.”
The organization highlighted several contentious clauses within the bill, specifically those concerning detention without trial, the limited scope for judicial oversight, and the expansive interpretation of what constitutes a “terrorist act.” TISL emphasized that such measures deviate from international human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Sri Lanka is a signatory.
The government maintains that the proposed legislation is a necessary update to modernize the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which has long been criticized by local and international human rights bodies for its role in facilitating prolonged detentions and human rights violations. However, critics argue that the new bill essentially repackages the worst elements of the PTA under a different name, rather than replacing it with a human rights-compliant framework.
The call from TISL echoes growing concerns from various legal experts, opposition politicians, and international observers who have closely monitored the development of the bill. Critics point to the economic and political instability currently facing the nation as a reason for the government to foster a more inclusive and democratic environment rather than implementing measures that could lead to further social unrest.
As the debate intensifies, legal scholars are urging the government to engage in broader public consultations. They suggest that any national security legislation must undergo rigorous independent scrutiny to ensure it does not infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens.
At this stage, the government has yet to respond to the specific demands made by TISL. Whether the administration will proceed with the bill or introduce substantial amendments remains to be seen, as pressure mounts from civil society to prioritize the protection of democratic space over expansive, unchecked executive authority.
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