PTA must be further strengthened : Min. Sajith Premadasa

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) must be strengthened while suspending the process of bringing forth the Counter Terrorism Act (CTA), Minister Sajith Premadasa said yesterday (May 17).

"I believe that the moves taken to put forward the Counter Terrorism Act must be halted following the April 21 terror attacks which has marked the beginning of global terrorism in the country," he told an event in Ampara.

Mr. Premadasa emphasised that the PTA which played a supporting role in defeating terrorism which existed for three decades in the country, must be strengthened even further.

He also said that many invididuals who were involved in the Easter Sunday carnage have been taken into custody. "The Tri-Forces and the Police were able to take swift measures because of the PTA," the Minister of Housing, Reconstruction, and Cultural Affairs said.

"We can't expect these officers (security) to control terrorism by tying their hands behind their backs," he added on the same note.