Justice minister: Prevention Terrorism Act ‘will be either revised or repealed’

COLOMBO: Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, said the government will review the Prevention Terrorism Act (PTA), to cope with new political and technological developments, the rising incidence of crime and the growing need for enhanced human rights.

According to a Colombo daily, Minister Sabry said that the three-decade old PTA will be either revised or repealed depending on an anticipated report from the two committees that are to be appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

He explained that changes or annulment of the PTA will be considered by the Government in line with the national security concerns of the country.

“We want a balanced act in keeping with human rights requirements of the country and to meet the national security requirements as well as international security obligations,” Sabry said, pointing out that the national interest of protecting human rights and security of the people in terms of the constitution and international obligations will also be taken into consideration to strike a balance.

“It will not act unfairly and unnecessarily to affect the rights of the people and would maintain the freedom and liberty of the citizens of Sri Lanka at all costs,” he added.

“In this regard, the Cabinet has decided to appoint two committees to work out details of the proposals,” the Minister said, adding that the first will be a Ministerial Committee and the second will be a Technical Committee comprising experts in the relevant field(s).

“We will be giving them three months to submit their reports and action will be taken based on their recommendations,” he said.