• Cabinet Co-Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena says new legislation will include relaxed provisions
• Avoids response to repercussions for not adhering to international pleas on use of PTA to detain people
• Claims no response thus far from HRCSL for complaints submitted on 9 May for torching houses of 72 MPs, violating basic human rights

The Government yesterday revealed plans to introduce a fresh Act for national security, repealing the controversial and archaic Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

“Justice Minister informed us of introducing a new ‘National Security Act’ with more relaxed provisions. It will replace the PTA,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena told journalists post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The use of the provisions of the PTA to arrest and detain persons who have been involved in protests against the Government has drawn heavy criticism from human rights activists, international organisations, and foreign governments. 

On Monday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Defence Minister approved to detain and interrogate Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Convener

Wasantha Mudalige, Inter-University Bhikku Federation Convener Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Kelaniya University Students’ Union Member Hashantha Jawantha Gunathilake for a period of 90-days under the PTA. 

PTA has been seen as a matter of concern in many facets which includes the granting of the GSP+ concession by the European Union as well as at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

Despite inquiring many times from Cabinet Co-Spokesman on repercussions of not adhering to international pleas on the use of PTA and preparedness to face the UNHRC session next month, he evaded response.

“Even though I have submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka for torching my house and my child’s Montessori on 9 May mayhem, no response was received so far. They should also give concern to the 72 houses torched and violation of basic human rights of all of the Parliamentarians,” Gunawardena said. 

BASL urges RW not to abuse draconian PTA; calls for rescinding of detention orders of Aragalaya activists