Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Government's terrorism bill deviates sharply from expert panel recommendations
The National People's Power administration faces calls to explain why it has sidelined key recommendations from a high-level committee tasked with reviewing the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act. Political and legal observers question the rationale behind the departures from the expert panel's guidance.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Political and legal sources have called on the National People's Power (NPP) government to provide justification for disregarding substantive recommendations made by a 17-member committee that reviewed the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA).
The committee, headed by Senior President's Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne, comprised officials and representatives drawn from relevant state institutions and legal sectors. The panel was established to provide expert guidance on the legislation, which aims to strengthen national security frameworks.
According to sources, significant divergences exist between the committee's final report and the draft legislation now being advanced by the government. The deviations have raised concerns among legal and political circles about the transparency of the legislative process and whether due consideration has been given to the expert advice solicited.
The Protection of the State from Terrorism Act represents a significant addition to Sri Lanka's security legislation. Legal observers have emphasized the importance of ensuring such measures incorporate safeguards protecting fundamental rights while addressing legitimate security concerns.
The government has not yet issued a detailed public response addressing the specific points of divergence between the committee's recommendations and the proposed bill, leaving questions about the policy rationale for the departures unresolved.