Use of PTA for Political Narrative Is a Blatant Abuse: President’s Counsel Ali Sabry

13-Apr-2026

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Former Foreign Minister and President’s Counsel Ali Sabry has strongly criticised the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to promote a political narrative, calling it a blatant abuse. He said such misuse turns an extraordinary security law into a political weapon.

In a Facebook post regarding arrests carried out in connection with the Easter Sunday terror attacks, Ali Sabry stated that detention under the PTA is being decided not based on evidence but according to political necessity. He alleged that accusations are exaggerated when convenient and quietly dropped when they cannot be proven.

He stressed that if evidence exists, it should be presented before a judge as required by law, and questioned why authorities avoid judicial oversight. According to him, the continued reliance on repressive mechanisms reflects the absence of genuine structural reform.

Sabry pointed out that despite repeated promises of reform by successive governments, the PTA continues to be used as an easy tool. He said the strategy appears to be to arrest first and justify later, bypassing the courts.

He further warned that such practices undermine individual freedom, disregard due process, and erode public trust in the justice system. He argued that this is not law enforcement, but political manipulation at the expense of the rule of law.

Referring to the arrest of Pillayan, Sabry noted that he was detained nearly a year before the Easter attacks and accused in Parliament of involvement. However, a year later, he has been produced in court on an unrelated charge. Sabry questioned what happened to the original accusations and evidence, and noted that Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, who had spoken publicly at the time, has remained silent.

He emphasised that no one, whether in Government or Opposition, should be allowed to use the national tragedy for political gain. The pain caused by the Easter attacks demands truth, justice, and accountability, not political opportunism.

He added that the same principle should apply to all, stating that if evidence exists against Suresh Saleh or anyone else, it must be presented in court. Otherwise, continued dependence on the PTA only proves that it is a tool of control rather than justice.