Withdraw the New Anti-Terrorism Bill Immediately; Statement by the Social Media Coalition
05-Jan-2026.
Several fundamental elements that led to the rejection of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) have been incorporated into the newly published draft legislation intended to replace it. National security cannot be prioritized in isolation while democratic principles are weakened. Therefore, the government must immediately withdraw this draft, the Collective for a Social Media Statement has urged.
The government has initiated steps to introduce a new law titled the “Anti-Terrorism Act to Protect the State,” intended to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979. The draft bill has been published on the official website of the Ministry of Justice, and the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for public comments and proposals to be submitted before Feb 28.
In this context, the Collective for a Social Media Statement, formed by civil society organizations and activists working to improve the human rights situation nationwide, has released a statement outlining its concerns regarding the draft law. Key points raised include the following:
The draft law is being presented as a major human rights improvement over the existing PTA. However, this portrayal obscures serious concerns, including provisions for administrative detention, expanded military powers, and offenses related to freedom of expression.
Many of the core elements that led to the rejection of the PTA have been retained in the new draft. Instead of applying emergency provisions within the framework of existing criminal law where absolutely necessary, the proposed law allows for weakened legal safeguards and broad discretionary executive powers. The fundamental objective of the draft appears to be the protection of the State rather than the protection of civilians from violence.
Democratic principles cannot be sidelined in the name of national security. The statement therefore calls on the government to immediately withdraw the draft and to initiate broad-based consultations with all stakeholders to draft new legislation that complies with international human rights standards.
