HRCSL urges President not to present Anti-Terrorism Bill in its current format

• The HRCSL is of the view that it is imperative to further explore the much-delayed peace and reconciliation process   

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has urged the President not to present the Anti-Terrorism Bill in Parliament in its current format until a national dialogue, one with broad-spectrum participation, is concluded.

In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, HRCSL Chairperson and retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Marasinghe stated that the HRCSL is of the view that establishing a ‘National Dialogue’ that equally addresses the peace and reconciliation process will better define the contextual necessity for a bill comparable to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill. The HRCSL said it conducted a round table discussion attended by the leadership of several civil society groups bringing to its notice regarding the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill.

The HRCSL maintained that it is prudent to better understand the purpose of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill against the context of Sri Lanka today.

“We would like to propose taking the lead on, and in partnership with your office, a National Dialogue that would better assess and raise awareness of the necessity for the country to have such a Bill,” the letter stated.

The HRCSL is of the view that it is imperative to further explore the much-delayed peace and reconciliation process.

“This peace and reconciliation process would not only be for the communities in the North and East who suffered directly under the ravages of 30-plus years of horrific civil war, a war that pitted communities against each other, and where once concluded promises were made both domestically as well as to the international community for a peace and reconciliation process,” the HRCSL letter further added.     

•  The HRCSL said it conducted a round table discussion attended by the leadership of several civil society groups