Proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill Is Entirely Different from What Is Being Alleged: Cabinet Spokesperson

22-Oct-2026

.

False rumours are being circulated regarding the new bill titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism, which has been presented by the government to Parliament. Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the proposed legislation was designed to ensure the protection of human rights.

He made these remarks at the weekly Cabinet decisions briefing held at the Department of Government Information in Colombo on October 20, 2026.

The Minister stated that false claims were being circulated in society that the proposed law would allow individuals to be arrested for having long hair or tattoos.

He said anyone concerned about the proposed legislation had the opportunity to challenge it before the Supreme Court, which would then determine the appropriate course of action. He added that several legal experts had been involved in drafting the bill, including legal practitioners and individuals who had studied under Saliya Peiris.

Therefore, the proposed legislation would not include provisions permitting the arrest of people solely for having tattoos or long hair. If any such provisions were included, anyone could approach the Supreme Court and challenge them. He said this would be the most appropriate course of action.

The Minister further stressed that the bill should be examined in its entirety rather than judged solely on the basis of one or two controversial provisions.

He explained that the government had introduced the new legislation with the objective of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and establishing a legal framework that would protect human rights while safeguarding the state against terrorism.