Our country does not need the Prevention of Terrorism Act Says the Christian Solidarity Movement

The Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) in Sri Lanka also strongly condemned the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and urged the government to withdraw the bill immediately.

“At present, it is not the public representatives sent by the people to parliament, but the young activists who reveal the suffering of the people of the country, and those young activists who perform such public service are arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, We the  Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) strongly condemn this inhuman repression and the Terrorism Prevention Act.” it was stated at the press conference of Christian Solidarity Movement held at Centre for Society and Religion in Maradana yesterday, 12th September.

Father Sarath Iddamalgoda, a member of the Christian Solidarity Movement, addressed the media and said, “about 3000 activists who performed such public service have been arrested and about 1200 have been imprisoned, some of them have been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and about 20 of them are Tamil youths.” he said.

Also, he said that about another 100 of youths have been arrested for several years under this PTA.

“Fighting for basic needs like hunger, is it wrong? Is protest an act of terrorism? ” said Father Sarath that he would like to ask this from the government.

Sister Rasika Peiris , another member of the CSM addressing the press briefing said that the current struggle was created through the gathering of young people who came of their own free will when they could not bear the economic and social poverty. Those who stand for truth and justice, for the country and for all people, pointed out that the government is brutally suppressing the people by using the Prevention of Terrorism Act without discrimination of race, religion, or gender.

“CSM is not at all satisfied with the manner in which the activists are being arrested and treated and that personal revenge is being carried out rather than the implementation of the law.” Said Sister Rasika.

“The Christian Solidarity Movement condemns this inhumane action of the government with disgust and stressed that the activists should not be arrested using the Act. , and the government should withdraw this bill immediately.” She said.

Sister Rasika also said that the same thing that happened in the north in the past is happening in the south today, but said CSM clearly protesting this bill regardless of whether it is the north or the south namely.

“At a time when the nutrition of children living on plantations and at ground level is very low, and the number of malnourished people is on the rise, the government is trying to tame and imprison these poor people through IMF proposals. Water and tear gas to subdue the activists who talk about these issues. get arrested, but we remind the government that because of such trivial methods of the government, the youths rise again and again and the government cannot tame them.” Ralston Wyman a member of CSM said at the press briefing.

Also, Ralston emphasized that this government cannot stop the youth from standing up once again for that pressure and for the poor living in the country.

Another member of CSM, Father Rohan Silva asked whether it is fair to label them as terrorists when sensitive citizens raise their voices on behalf of people when the government does not provide expected solutions.

Also, Father Rohan asked whether it is not appropriate to label the people who are not sensitive to the voice of the people as terrorists.

“Our country does not need the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Please withdraw this. On this occasion, we present the request to give the people the complete right to express their opinions freely.” said Father Rohan Silva.