December 22, Colombo (LNW): Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has emphasised that the proposed Prevention of Terrorism legislation remains a working draft and will be revised following public consultation before it is presented to the Cabinet or tabled in Parliament.
Speaking today, the Minister said the draft law, prepared by a committee chaired by President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne, has been made available on the Ministry of Justice website in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Members of the public have been given until February 28, 2026 to study the document and submit their views, concerns and recommendations.
He explained that all feedback received during this consultation period will be forwarded to the original drafting committee, which will be tasked with reviewing the submissions and introducing amendments where appropriate.
The aim, he noted, is to refine the legislation in a way that balances national security needs with the protection of fundamental rights.
Minister Nanayakkara urged individuals, civil society groups and organisations to actively participate in the process, stressing that broad public engagement is essential to shaping a more balanced and socially responsive law.
