New Bills Will Not Undermine Freedom or Rights: Government
04-Nov-2026.
The Government has assured that the new Bills introduced in the country will not, under any circumstances, affect media freedom or trade union rights. It has clarified that the proposed legislation is intended solely to protect the country against organised crime and terrorism.
Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa made these remarks at the weekly Cabinet decisions briefing held at the Government Information Department in Colombo on November 3.
Providing further clarification, the Cabinet Spokesperson said:
The Government has launched comprehensive investigations into suspicious deaths and incidents of violence occurring at police stations and in their surrounding areas. The Government has not ignored any incident reported at police stations.
Several police officers have been arrested and remanded in connection with deaths and shooting incidents reported in areas including Homagama. The services of several other officers have also been suspended.
Under special programmes implemented to curb drug trafficking and organised crime in the country, large quantities of narcotics have been seized and thousands of suspects arrested. The Government has taken steps to provide full legal protection to those who stand against drug traffickers in rural areas. Investigations are also under way against officials who allegedly prepared fraudulent passports for criminals.
While steps have been taken to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, a new law is necessary to suppress underworld gangs operating through international networks and organised criminal activities.
The proposed legislation will be implemented in a manner that safeguards human rights and remains subject to judicial oversight.
These new laws will not affect journalists' freedom, their right to expose information, the activities of trade unions or freedom of expression. Anyone who has no connection with criminal activities need not entertain unnecessary fears over the proposed legislation, he said.
