On 28 February 2025, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and founding leader of the National People’s Power party announced plans to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and introduce new legislation. The PTA, enacted in 1979 and made permanent in 1982, has been widely criticised for enabling prolonged detentions without charge and violating human rights.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) pledged to abolish the PTA. However, the government’s continued use of Detention Orders under the PTA has cast doubt on this promise. There is scepticism that the replacement law may retain the PTA’s repressive elements.