TNA commence island-wide campaign against PTA

The Tamil National Alliance (PTA) commenced an island-wide campaign against the draconian Prevention Terrorism Act demanding the repeal of the act. The Act was brought in 1979 as a temporary provisions Act for six months but continues to be in operation for over 40 years. 

The move came in the wake of the Ministry of Justice introducing amendments to the act in the House recently as the international pressure mounted on the government from the international community on human rights grounds. 

As part of the ongoing campaign, a similar petition signing campaign commenced today in front of the Jaffna bus stand today. Hundreds of locals and civil society individuals placed their signatures, joining the call to repeal the act. 

"The government has given several assurances in the past that this legislation will be repealed and a law enacted in its place that complies with international human rights standards and norms. However, the recent amendment bill presented to the Parliament fails short of such assurances and fails to address any of the draconian provisions in the PTA," a statement signed by TNA Spokespersons M. A. Sumanthiran said. (Pix by N. Lohathayalan)