By Easwaran Rutnam 

Former Foreign Minister, Professor G.L Pieris said he was alarmed over the decision taken by the Government to make a U-turn on a commitment made to the international community with regards to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

Professor G.L Pieris said that when he was Foreign Minister, he had given an assurance to the international community that the PTA will not be used and that it will be replaced with new laws. 

Speaking to Daily Mirror, the former Minister and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said that the PTA was amended earlier this year with the support of Parliament. 

He also said that he, as Foreign Minister, had given an assurance to the UN Human Rights Council and the international community as a whole, that the PTA will not be used until new laws are introduced. 
Pieris warned that going back on the commitments given to the UN Human Rights Council and others could have serious repercussions. 

The Sri Lankan Government had committed to reforming the PTA as part of its negotiations for trade-related assistance from the European Union.  

The former Minister said that using the PTA could harm Sri Lanka’s chances of continuing to enjoy the EU GSP Plus trade concessions. 

He also said that the timing of the decision by the Government to use the PTA coincides with the UN Human Rights Council preparing to meet in Geneva. 

The MP said that using the PTA on protesters and others could result in Sri Lanka facing censure in Geneva at the upcoming session.