October 05, Colombo (LNW): Parliament is due to take up the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA) for its First Reading tomorrow, 6 October, as lawmakers begin a new sitting week.
The legislation has been placed on the Order Paper and is expected to be presented by the Minister of Justice and National Integration when public business gets under way.
The proposed law is aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s legal framework for dealing with terrorism and related offences, including activities carried out both within the country and overseas. It also seeks to prevent Sri Lankan territory or individuals from being used as a base for planning or facilitating terrorist operations abroad.
Among its provisions are measures covering the identification and detection of suspected terrorist activity, as well as the arrest, detention and investigation of individuals accused of terrorism-related offences. The Bill further sets out procedures concerning prosecution and penalties for those found guilty.
A major feature of the proposed legislation is its provision to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, which has remained a longstanding and controversial component of Sri Lanka’s security legislation.
The Cabinet has already approved the proposed Bill, paving the way for its presentation before Parliament.
Parliament is scheduled to meet from 6 to 9 October, with the proposed anti-terror legislation now set to enter the legislative process at the start of the week.
Read Parliament Order Paper: https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Order-Paper_english_2026-10-06.pdf
