Country-wide mobile signature campaign to repeal PTA kicks off today

A country-wide mobile signature campaign has been launched, calling for the repeal of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) brought in 1979 as a temporary provisions Act for six months but continues to be in operation for over 40 years. 

Promoters of the campaign Ilankai Thamilarasu Katchi Youth Front’s K. Seyon, Justice for All’s MP M. A. Sumanthiran and Alliance of Trade Union and Mass organisation’s Joseph Stalin said, during this period, the country has witnessed its use to crush dissent against the Government of the day.

“As it has been done consistently in the past, it continues even today. Especially, this particular Act is being used to oppress the peaceful protestors of the Galle face ‘Aragalaya’,” they said. 

The country-wide mobile Signature campaign from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota will begin today from Mavittapuram, Kanthaswami Kovil, at 9.00 a.m. 

“This campaign is to urge the Government to honour its promise to repeal the PTA. We humbly invite everyone to join us tomorrow at this launch and sign the Petition calling for the repeal of the PTA,” the promoters said.