Sri Lanka’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) has raised widespread concerns over its potential impact on fundamental rights and freedoms. The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA), No. 48 of 1979, has faced decades of criticism for enabling human rights violations and undermining basic civil and political liberties. In December 2025, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Justice published a draft Protection of the State from Terrorism Act, intended to replace the PTA, and invited public feedback. Following widespread opposition, an expert committee was appointed to revise the proposed legislation. Although some provisions were removed, critics argue that the revised draft retains several repressive elements.
The revised PSTA was gazetted on 22 September 2026 and presented to Parliament for its first reading on 6 October 2026 by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara. The Government acknowledged that the PSTA Bill tabled in Parliament differed from the draft prepared by the technical experts’ committee. Foreign Minister Herath further stated that the Cabinet of Ministers had introduced changes and additional proposals as part of the normal legislative process and the draft could be further amended during the Committee Stage in Parliament.
The proposed legislation has attracted criticism from international organisations, including the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the World Organisation Against Torture. Their concerns include the broad and vague definition of terrorism, provisions allowing prolonged detention, military arrest powers, and insufficient judicial oversight and safeguards. These provisions could create opportunities for arbitrary arrests, torture, and the suppression of dissent, particularly affecting minority communities, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and political opponents.
At the national level TISL, Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Frontline Socialist Party have also raised concerns about the bill. Protests taking place across the country further reflect public opposition to the proposed legislation. Critics fear that, rather than addressing the shortcomings of the PTA, the PSTA could perpetuate similar abuses under a new legal framework.