Cabinet nod to redraft Anti-Terrorism Bill with amendments 

The Cabinet of Ministers gave its go-ahead for redrafting the Anti-Terrorism Bill with proposed amendments.  

The revised Anti-Terrorism Bill expects to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders and pave the way for a more robust and contemporary approach to tackling terrorism in the country.

On 27 February 2023, the Cabinet approved publishing the draft Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman was to be introduced as the Anti-Terrorism Act, replacing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 effective at present.

However, following views furnished by many parties such as the legal experts and civil societies interested in clauses mentioned in the draft, it was later decided to include the required revisions for the said draft Bill.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Justice, Prison Activities, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.