Rights group warns new anti-terrorism bill threatens press freedom

Internet Media Action (IMA) has issued a strong statement opposing the government's gazetting of the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill on September 22, 2026, raising concerns that the legislation would dramatically curtail fundamental rights. According to IMA convener Sampath Samarakoon, the proposed law represents an alarming threat to citizens' freedom of expression, media independence, and digital rights in Sri Lanka. The rights group contends that the bill goes far beyond reasonable security measures and instead employs language and provisions that could be used to suppress legitimate public discourse and journalism. IMA's position reflects growing concerns among civil society organizations about the bill's potential impact on the country's media landscape and democratic institutions. The organization has called on the government to reconsider the legislation in light of both domestic and international pressure regarding the protection of fundamental freedoms.