Foreign Minister Prof. GL Peiris has said that after 43 years, the Prevention of Terrorism Act is being amended with the aim of bringing it into line with international norms and best practices.
He was addressing a gathering of New Delhi-based diplomats.
He noted that the Prevention of Terrorism Act was being amended after months of lengthy debate, pointing out that the proposed amendments were the first step towards the release of a more comprehensive anti-terrorism law.
He noted that significant amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act include making amendments to the Detention Detention Ordinance, issuing restraining orders, explicitly recognizing orders, and expeditious disposal of defendants’ cases in order to avoid prolonged detention.
He added that it also included the abolition of sections that impede freedom of expression and the introduction of rules for access to judges and forensic officers.
He further added that the ban would cover abuses of torture and torture, the right to have contact with family members, the release of long-term prisoners and the prosecution of cases on a daily basis.