New Anti-Terrorism Bill gazetted

• Gazette published by Justice Minister
• New law will replace PTA

Justice Minister Wije-ydasa Rajapaksha has gazetted the new Anti-Terrorism Bill which, once passed by Parliament, will replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The Bill makes provision for the protection of the national security of Sri Lanka and its people from acts of terrorism; other offences associated with terrorism and certain specified acts constituting the offence of terrorism committed within or outside Sri Lanka.

It also provides for the prevention of the use of Sri Lankan territory and its people for the preparation for terrorism outside the country, detection, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of any person who has committed an act of terrorism or any other offence associated with terrorism.

The Bill also provides for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.