Use of PTA gravely prejudicial to national interest, warns Prof. Peiris

• Reckless and ill-advised action will inevitably entail serious consequences at international level 

MP and former Foreign Minister and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris on Sunday warned against the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against Wasantha Mudalige and other student activists who were protesting against the spiralling cost of living and sustained closure of universities.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Anuradhapura, Prof. Peiris pointed out the absurdity of the Government announcing that the Emergency would be allowed to lapse, and then using the draconian provisions of the PTA instead.

The activities of the students did not have the remotest connection with terrorism, and the equation of exercise of democratic rights of dissent with terrorism is fraught with the gravest consequences for a society built on the norms of democracy, he said. The space available for civil society will shrink to a vanishing point, he warned.

During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Prof. Peiris presented to Parliament about three months ago, a series of urgent amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and had them enacted by Parliament. 

He announced to Parliament and the international community the Government’s clear resolve to undertake a comprehensive review of the PTA, as a whole. The understanding was that recourse would not be had to the PTA, pending this thorough review and the introduction of fresh legislation.

Prof. Peiris said that there is no justification whatsoever for the 90-day Detention Order which had been made against Wasantha Mudalige and his colleagues.

This reckless and ill-advised action will inevitably entail serious consequences at the international level for our country at a time when the goodwill of the world is absolutely essential.

Prof. Peiris referred in particular to the upcoming 51st Session of the Human Rights Commission, commencing in Geneva on 12 September, the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund – crucial for the economy of Sri Lanka – and the retention of GSP+ benefits, conditional on compliance with obligations undertaken by Sri Lanka under several international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.