JUSTICE • EXPLAINER

Sri Lanka’s New Security Law: What It Gives the State — and What Citizens Could Lose

Replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act is a major opportunity. The real question is whether its replacement delivers security without recreating the powers Sri Lanka promised to reform.

Parliament took up the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill on 6 October 2026. Its stated purpose includes preventing terrorism and providing powers for detection, arrest, detention, investigation and prosecution, while repealing the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The government says changes to the expert committee draft were made through the normal Cabinet and legislative process. Critics, including rights advocates, have raised concerns about the breadth of the definition of terrorism, judicial oversight, arrest and search powers, and possible restrictions affecting speech, assembly and movement.

The Proper Test

Sri Lanka has a legitimate obligation to protect people from terrorism. It also has a responsibility to ensure extraordinary security powers cannot become shortcuts around ordinary safeguards of justice.

The debate should therefore move beyond slogans. Parliament should test each contested power against necessity, proportionality, independent judicial supervision and the availability of an effective remedy when state power is misused.

Why It Matters Beyond Politics

This is not simply a government-versus-opposition issue. Security legislation can remain in force across many administrations. Powers defended by one political side today may be exercised against that same side tomorrow.

A durable law should protect national security while preserving due process, media freedom, peaceful dissent and equal treatment. Sri Lanka has an opportunity to replace a controversial temporary law after nearly half a century. It should use that opportunity carefully.

Lanka Witness supports scrutiny of both national-security threats and the exercise of state power. This explainer distinguishes the Bill’s stated purposes from concerns raised about its provisions.