Citizens’ Collective Demand Clarity on PTA Repeal: Where Is the Promised White Paper?
A coalition of concerned citizens, political activists, and civil society organisations has issued a letter to Minister of Justice and National Integration, Mr. Harshana Nanayakkara, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the promised repeal of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The letter was signed by 188 individuals, 49 Organizations, Movements, and 20 Unions.
The group, which met with Minister Nanayakkara on 29 May 2025 to submit their formal recommendations for repealing the PTA, expressed alarm over recent developments suggesting that the government may bypass its commitment to public consultation. At the meeting, the Minister assured attendees that a comprehensive White Paper would be circulated prior to any legislative action, outlining the rationale for repealing the PTA and the government’s intent regarding any replacement law. He also pledged that sufficient time would be provided for public engagement.
But, in a parliamentary address on 22 August, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced that a draft Bill to repeal the PTA would be published in the Government Gazette in early September, but without any mention of the promised White Paper or public consultation process.
But, in a parliamentary address on 22 August, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced that a draft Bill to repeal the PTA would be published in the Government Gazette in early September, but without any mention of the promised White Paper or public consultation process.
Therefore, the coalition is now calling for urgent clarification from Minister Nanayakkara before the gazette publication proceeds.
According to statistics provided by the NPP Government to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights this year, they say that there have been 49 arrests under the PTA, between January and May 23rd, 2025, and 38 PTA arrests over the course of the full year of 2024.
This is a significantly high number of lives being ruined by the continued use of what we all, including the Government, agree is a draconian piece of legislation.
We reiterate our position to repeal the PTA and not replace it with another terror law.
The coalition reiterated its firm stance that the PTA should be repealed outright and not replaced with another anti-terror law. Citing the existence of at least 15 provisions within the current criminal justice system—including the Penal Code—that already address terrorism-related offenses, they argue that no special legislation is necessary.
– Repeal PTA as a separate legislative exercise,
– Halt the publication of any new proposed anti-terror Bill in the Government Gazette, until the promised ‘white paper’ on the need for any new terror laws is published and widely consulted with the public,
– Impose an immediate moratorium on the application of the PTA, until its repeal,
– Expedite justice to all currently detained under the PTA through political and legal interventions, including Presidential Pardons, withdrawal of charges if there is no evidence to support or if only/primary evidence is through confessions and release of those not charged yet, and
– Ensure reparations by state for those who were detained under PTA and not convicted including acknowledgement, apology, compensation,
physical and mental health care and livelihood support. Reparations
should also be provided to the families of those who died in custody when detained under the PTA.
The group has also reattached their original Committee Submission from May for the Minister’s reference.
