No double standard on PTA: Government clarifies

By Ajith Siriwardana   

In the wake of concerns raised by some parties over the government’s stance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday the government had not changed its stance on the need to amend or abolish PTA while stating that the PTA will be taken up for discussion in the new parliament.   

He told the Cabinet briefing that he was misquoted by some media on an earlier occasion where he explained the matter and said the government had not adopted a double standard on the matter as claimed by some politicians in the north.   

The Minister stressed that the PTA will not be amended or abolished at this juncture but, it will be taken up for discussion on the new parliament is convened.