PST: Old devil in new costume?
Friday 25th September, 2026 The unfolding politico-legal scenario can be described as a bill parade. The government is apparently preoccupied with unveiling one questionable bill after another, the latest being the Protection of the State from Terrorism (PST) bill, which has just been gazetted. It is in a mighty rush to secure the passage of […]
In Sri Lanka, the government has been busy introducing a series of controversial bills, with the Protection of the State from Terrorism (PST) bill taking center stage. The government is in a hurry to pass this legislation, but it has also faced criticism for its perceived influence on the judiciary. Critics argue that the JVP-led government's push for new laws might be a tactic to maintain its hold on power through judicial means.
The PST bill is a culmination of previous attempts to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with a vague definition of terrorism and concerns over the potential abuse of the law to suppress dissent. The bill also addresses detention without charge, police powers for the military, and the enforcement of promised safeguards.
The government's focus on legal and institutional matters suggests a strategy to consolidate its power. Yet, the PST bill shares similarities with the problematic 22nd Amendment (22A), which critics claim is part of a broader plan to bring the judiciary under the Executive's control. To ensure a fair judicial review, it is essential to address the potential ill-effects of the 22A and safeguard fundamental rights.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
