Bar Association of Sri Lanka Expresses Deep Concerns Over New Anti-Terrorism Bill and Calls for Wider Stakeholder Consultation

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed its deep concern over the new Anti-Terrorism Bill introduced by the Sri Lankan government. The BASL has appointed a committee of senior lawyers to review the legality and consequences of the Bill and report back to the BASL’s management committee.

The Anti-Terrorism Bill seeks to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and introduce a new law. The BASL firmly believes that no legislation should be introduced to curtail or suppress the fundamental rights of citizens, enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

The association has warned that if the Bill is passed into law, it will have far-reaching effects. The BASL has also criticized the government for publishing the Bill in the Gazette without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the BASL.

The BASL has called on the Sri Lankan government to defer the Bill until there is wider stakeholder consultation and the concerns of stakeholders, including the BASL, are taken into account. The association stressed that it would not hesitate to challenge any Bill that would undermine the rule of law and the liberty of citizens in the country.