Eastern Journalists Forum calls for repeal of PTA and withdrawal of Anti-Terror Draft Law

2026-03-02 - 14:47

The Eastern Journalists Forum in Batticaloa has urged the Government to completely repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and immediately abandon the proposed draft law aimed at protecting the State from terrorism, warning that both measures threaten democratic freedoms and fundamental human rights. In a letter sent to the Ministry of Justice, the Forum stressed that national security cannot be achieved by undermining individual rights and freedom of expression. It said a country where civil liberties are restricted cannot ensure lasting peace or stability. “National security cannot be ensured by creating a situation where individual rights and human rights are inoperative. A country without freedom of expression is not going to be a happy country,” the Forum stated. Concerns Over Broad and Repressive Provisions The organisation raised strong objections to what it described as “extremely severe repressive and anti-democratic provisions” in the draft law. It noted that the legislation lacks a clear definition of terrorism, creating the risk that peaceful protests, criticism of Government actions or dissenting opinions could be treated as anti-state activities. The Forum warned that such ambiguity could have a chilling effect on democratic engagement and civic activism. “It has been observed that even criticising Government actions, engaging in peaceful protest activities, or expressing opinions that are undesirable or unwelcome to the rulers, have been interpreted as ‘anti-state activities’,” the letter said. Threats to Media Freedom and Civil Society The Forum also cautioned that several clauses in the draft law could undermine media freedom and the independence of civil society. Provisions relating to confidential information and civil activities could criminalise routine journalistic practices such as photographing protests or reporting on security force interventions. It further warned that obligations to report information could violate professional secrecy and ethical standards of journalists, lawyers and religious leaders. Expanded arrest and search powers granted to armed forces and coast guard personnel could lead to repressive governance and targeting of journalists and activists under allegations of complicity in terrorism. “Journalists and civil society activists could be targeted under the label of being ‘complicit in terrorism’,” the Forum said, adding that authorities may use such provisions to entrap critical reporting. The Forum cited past incidents to highlight these risks, pointing to the arrest and detention of comedian Natasha Edirisooriya as a recent example of how expression critical of authorities could face legal action. Call to Reform Existing Laws Instead Rather than introducing new special legislation, the Forum urged the Government to strengthen existing criminal laws in line with international human rights standards. It said this approach would better ensure the rule of law while safeguarding citizens’ rights and democratic values. “We request that instead of such special repressive laws that greatly affect fundamental rights and democratic values, the ordinary criminal laws in force in the country be updated and improved,” the letter noted. Repeal of PTA and Concerns Over Detentions The Forum reiterated its longstanding call for the complete repeal of the PTA, arguing that the law has historically been used to suppress freedom of expression, violate human rights and silence dissent, particularly in the North and East. It also highlighted that many individuals arrested under the PTA remain detained without trial, effectively losing years of their lives in prison. “Those arrested under the current Prevention of Terrorism Act are currently wasting their lives in prisons without trial,” the Forum said. Appeal to Immediately Abandon Draft Law Concluding its appeal, the Eastern Journalists Forum urged the Government to immediately withdraw the proposed anti-terror law, warning that introducing a new law while the PTA remains in force would further oppress citizens, especially journalists and civil society activists. “While the Prevention of Terrorism Act is in force, bringing in a new law to protect the Government from terrorism will further oppress the people,” the Forum stated, calling for urgent reconsideration of the legislation.