The Supreme Court has begun hearing over 20 petitions challenging the government’s new Anti-Terrorism Bill, seeking to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act. A five-member bench, led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, is presiding over the case. Petitioners include Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, SJB’s Ranjith Madduma Bandara, NPP’s Vijitha Herath, and organizations like CPA, SYU, FSP, and CTU. The petitions argue that the proposed Bill grants excessive powers to security forces, violating fundamental rights, and call for a parliamentary vote and a referendum for its passage. The Attorney General is listed as the respondent.
