Revised Anti-Terror Bill presented to Parliament

The revised Anti-Terrorism Bill to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was presented to the Parliament by Justice Minister Wijeydasa Rajapaksha a short while ago.

Speaking in this regard, Minister Rajapaksha said the Anti-Terrorism Bill has been revised in response to the concerns and ideas of various stakeholders including the diplomatic community and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

Highlighting certain significant differences between the new features introduced under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Minister Rajapaksha added that the new bill transfers detention order power from the Minister of Defence to the Defence Ministry’s Secretary, who will issue orders based on the Inspector General of Police's recommendation.

Besides, suspect detention periods are reduced to 30 days from 90 days, and if detained beyond this, police must seek an extension from a magistrate, according to the Minister.

The second reading of the revised Bill is scheduled for tomorrow (11).