BASL claims certain provisions of ATA contravene legal rights of citizens

• Notes that certain provisions and clauses infringe upon the principles of the criminal justice system
• and are in contravention of the legal rights of the citizens
• Says the committee appointed by BASL also found that the provisions stipulated in the said Bill violate the fundamental rights of the constitution
• Stresses it will take legal steps to challenge the Bill if it is presented to Parliament without the appropriate amendments 

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka says the special committee appointed by it to review the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill has found that certain provisions and clauses, namely  3, 4, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16,  28, 30, 31, 36, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 of the Bill infringe upon the principles of the criminal justice system and are in contravention of the legal rights of the citizens. 

The committee comprising senior legal exports the BASL said it is also of the view that the provisions stipulated in the said Bill violate the fundamental rights enumerated under chapter III of the constitution of Sri Lanka, especially in light of Article 14 of the constitution that ensures citizens the rights relating to freedom of speech, assembly, association, occupation and movement. 

“In view of the recommendations of the committee, the BASL will be making representations to the Ministry of Justice, and all other stakeholders, requesting that amendments be made to the Bill, in compliance with the law,” it said.  Further, in order to protect the rights of the citizens, in the event the Bill is placed in the order paper before Parliament, in the current form, the BASL said it will take necessary legal steps to challenge the Bill in the appropriate forum.