# Sri Lanka Faces Backlash Over Proposed Anti-Terrorism Legislation Rights groups and international bodies warn the new bill threatens democratic freedoms and civil liberties. - **Source:** [DW – World](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2b45e723-fbf7-4244-962c-43bd4fc97a20 ## Legislative Shift Under Scrutiny The administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act. While the government claims this move addresses complex extremist activities, critics argue the new bill mirrors the controversial nature of its predecessor, which faced decades of criticism. ## Concerns Over Broad Definitions Human rights advocates and legal experts warn that the bill features an overly broad definition of terrorism. This lack of clarity, according to lawyer Visakesa Chandrasekaram, creates significant risks for fundamental rights. Critics fear that vague terminology could be exploited to target innocent citizens rather than addressing actual security threats effectively. ## Militarization of Law Enforcement The proposed legislation would grant police powers to the military, raising alarms about the potential militarization of the legal process. Legal experts point out that military personnel lack the specific training required for criminal investigations. This shift could undermine the protection of individual rights during the investigative and detention phases of law. ## Threats to Digital Expression Section 9 of the proposed act has drawn intense criticism for its potential impact on freedom of speech. Lawyer Dhanushka Silva noted that social media posts could be scrutinized under the broad terrorism definitions. Individuals found sharing content deemed offensive could face up to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment under these new rules. ## International Human Rights Pressure The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged the government to align the bill with international standards. Despite some minor improvements, the UN notes that the draft retains significant flaws. They emphasize the need for robust safeguards against torture, ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances during state-led security operations. ## Economic and Trade Implications Sri Lanka’s access to the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus could be at risk if human rights obligations are not met. The EU has explicitly linked these trade benefits to the country's adherence to international law. Losing this preferential market access would likely trigger severe economic penalties for the nation. ## Constitutional and Judicial Challenges During a parliamentary debate on November 12, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne acknowledged that certain provisions were inconsistent with the national constitution. The Supreme Court has also reviewed the bill, outlining necessary amendments before it can proceed to a vote. Parliament has not yet scheduled a final date for the legislative vote. ## Legacy of Past Violence The debate occurs against the backdrop of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which killed 270 people. While citizens like Ganesan recognize the necessity of security, they remain skeptical of laws that suppress dissent. The challenge for the government remains balancing national security requirements with the preservation of democratic freedoms and public trust. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dw.com/en/sri-lanka-rights-groups-sound-alarm-over-proposed-anti-terror-law/a-79932227?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._