Large-Scale Protests in North and East Demand Repeal of PTA

01-Mar-2026

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Mass protests were held across the Northern and Eastern Provinces on February 28 calling for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and opposing proposed new legislation intended to replace it.

Demonstrations took place in Jaffna and Batticaloa.

In Batticaloa, protesters marched from the Kallady Bridge through Trincomalee Road to the town center, culminating in rallies near the Clock Tower and Gandhi Park.

Participants included religious leaders, Members of Parliament from the Tamil National Alliance, former MPs, local government representatives, civil society groups, relatives of the forcibly disappeared, and large numbers of civilians.

In Jaffna, protesters gathered near the Jaffna Public Library and marched along the A9 road to the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat. Demonstrators carried placards demanding justice for the disappeared and opposing both old and new anti-terror legislation.