Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be repealed in the near future, in accordance with the policy statement of the National People’s Power (NPP) Party.
Speaking at a public meeting near the Silawathura bus stand in the Musali electoral seat of Mannar District, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to abolishing the controversial legislation. She stated that the Cabinet has already appointed a committee to facilitate the process, ensuring that necessary steps are taken promptly.
Even before in to the power, Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led government had been saying that it would abolish the PTA, but a young man named Mohamed Rushdie was arrested under this law on the orders of the President. While visiting a Muslim area for election campaigning, the Prime Minister reiterated that the PTA would no longer be used for ethnic or religious reasons.
Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding the rights of all citizens and will not allow discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. She assured the public that her administration would address crises with a non-racial and inclusive approach.
