Draft Bill to Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act to Be Gazetted Soon – Minister Harshan Nanayakkara

18-Nov-2025

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Justice and National Unity Minister Harshan Nanayakkara announced that the special committee appointed to draft a new law to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) had completed its work. The draft was being translated into Sinhala and Tamil, and the Bill to repeal the PTA would be gazetted soon.

Speaking during the committee-stage debate on November 17, he said Sri Lanka had made significant progress in rule-of-law implementation and human rights protection due to judicial independence and strong auditing mechanisms. One major issue facing the judiciary was the shortage of staff, and approval had been granted by a committee chaired by the Prime Minister to recruit 2,871 new personnel.

He emphasised that laws were not enacted based on political needs but for the welfare of the public. The government intended to fulfil its promise to repeal the PTA and enact a more appropriate legal framework. Old laws would also be reformed.

He noted that several important laws had already been passed during the year, and many more relating to economic and social development would be enacted in the first quarter of the following year. Steps had also been taken to digitalise the judicial system, with the Chief Justice implementing the required measures. 

He insisted that the judiciary must function in accordance with the Constitution and that the law was now being administered more effectively.