• Petitioners argue that the proposed changes are not sufficient to protect against the continued abuse

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Centre for Policy Alternative and its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu have filed a Special Determination Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill.

The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the bill requires the approval of the people at a Referendum in addition to the 2/3 approval of the Parliament.

The bill titled “Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill” was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on February 10, 2022.

This Bill seeks to make several amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The petitioners maintained that the Bill does not address the most fundamental problems with the PTA and explained how the Bill falls short even in the limited areas it seeks to change.

The CPA further maintained that this Draconian law has been severely abused, resulting in torture, prolonged detentions, and the deprivation of several other fundamental liberties. The Petitioners argue that the proposed changes are not sufficient to protect against the continued abuse.