Evangelical Alliance raises concerns over anti-terror bill

14-Feb-2026

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The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka expressed serious concern over the proposed “Protection of the State from Terrorism” bill, warning that genuine security cannot be achieved by compromising fundamental rights.

The Justice and National Integration Minister has invited public feedback on the draft before 28 February.

The Alliance said the draft includes many problematic provisions similar to the existing PTA, which has a history of misuse including arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial and suppression of free expression.

It warned that the broad definition of terrorism could threaten legitimate religious, civil society and humanitarian activities, particularly among minority communities. The statement stressed that laws aimed at protecting the state must also protect citizens and comply with constitutional and international human rights obligations.