President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the proposed legislation to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the proposed law to combat organised crime will not be rushed through Parliament.
Addressing the National People’s Power (NPP) National Conference of Trade Unions at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds in Colombo this morning, the President said the Government would not seek to pass the two Bills without extensive discussions with relevant organisations and a broad consensus.
The conference was held under the theme, “Let’s Work – Let’s Build the Country, Protect the Power of the Working People.”
President Dissanayake said the Government intended to repeal the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act and introduce new legislation that addresses the evolving nature of terrorism.
He also stressed the need for stronger laws to tackle organised crime, which he said threatens the State and its institutions.
However, acknowledging concerns that the proposed laws could be misused to restrict people’s rights, the President said the Government was prepared to consider amendments to address any provisions that could serve purposes beyond their intended objectives.
He said the Government was willing to engage with civil society organisations genuinely concerned about democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The President added that the Government would consider amendments proposed by the Supreme Court as well as suggestions from civil society groups before the Bills are passed.
He rejected claims that the Government was seeking repressive legislation to retain power, saying the NPP derived its authority from the people’s mandate and had no intention of suppressing the public.
President Dissanayake said the Government had committed to tackling organised crime and the drug trade, and that strengthening the legal framework was necessary to fulfil that commitment.
He reiterated that the proposed laws must have public consent and that the Government would not proceed without consulting relevant organisations and engaging in discussions with them.