Sri Lanka - December 2025

In December, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Justice and National Integration published the draft Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA), intended to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The PTA has long been criticized as a tool used to facilitate human rights abuse and silence dissent. Rights experts warn that the draft retains—and in some cases worsens—many of the controversial features of the PTA, including overbroad definitions of terrorism, expansive police and presidential powers and inadequate safeguards that allow for prolonged detentions. The government has invited public comment on the proposed legislation until 28 February. However, civil society groups have criticized the timing of the release, noting that it comes in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which limits meaningful public engagement. 

Update: On 22 September, the government gazetted a revised Protection of the State from Terrorism bill, which is scheduled for further debate and review in parliament. Despite some added procedural safeguards, rights experts warned that it retains numerous provisions associated with serious human rights violations under the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act.  

Sources: Centre for Policy Alternatives, Lankaweb, International IDEA, Ministry of Justice Sri Lanka, Human Rights Watch (1), Government of Sri Lanka, Human Rights Watch (2)