Sri Lanka Introduces Counterterrorism Bill Amid Human Rights Warnings

The Government of Sri Lanka submitted the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) to Parliament on October 6, 2026. The legislation is intended to replace the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a move that aligns with pledges made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's National People's Power alliance in its 2024 manifesto to abolish oppressive acts.

Human Rights Watch condemned the new bill, stating it retains abusive powers and fails to meet United Nations human rights standards. The PSTB includes an overbroad definition of terrorism, grants the armed forces sweeping search and arrest powers, and allows for detention without charge for up to two years with limited judicial oversight. Additionally, the bill grants the president the authority to proscribe organizations without judicial review. While the legislation excludes humanitarian aid and protest from terrorism offenses, critics argue it still enables the persecution of activists and minorities.

Human Rights Watch warned that the bill breaches international law and jeopardizes trade benefits provided by the European Union under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+). The organization has called for an immediate moratorium on the existing PTA and a comprehensive amendment of the PSTB to ensure compliance with international legal obligations.