{
  "id": 11314297,
  "title": "Media action group flays NPP over new anti-terrorism law",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/media-action-group-flays-npp-over-new-anti-terrorism-law",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T00:00:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/media-action-group-flays-npp-over-new-anti-terrorism-law/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Internet Media Action (IMA) has vehemently criticized the government's new anti-terrorism law, the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA), for infringing upon citizens' freedom of expression, media freedom, and digital rights. IMA's leader, Sampath Samarakoon, outlined the concerns in a statement, stating that while certain provisions have been amended in response to local and international pressure, the bill still embodies a repressive government. The PSTA Bill is viewed as a new digital dictatorship that employs technology to reinforce the repressive elements of the old PTA Act. Concerns over the bill include the potential for digital self-censorship, where individuals fear arrest and struggle to prove their actions were \"in good faith.\" Another issue is the broad interpretation of \"terrorist offences,\" which includes online campaigns, petitions, and hashtag rallies organized via social media platforms. The bill also poses threats to creativity and satire, as vague language can lead to up to 15 years in prison for those creating posters, memes, or political satire. Furthermore, Clause 10 and 59 of the bill propose restrictions on sharing, retweeting, or posting links, which could be deemed as \"circulating terrorist publications.\" This would enable the President to directly censor online publications through gazette notifications. Additionally, the confidentiality of media sources is abolished (Clause 15), leaving investigative journalists and citizen journalists unable to protect the sources they receive information from. Lastly, the Defense Secretary can declare certain places \"prohibited\" for 72 hours, and security forces' movements and investigations can be classified as \"classified information,\" potentially obstructing media reporting. IMA emphasizes that the PSTA Bill, contrary to international human rights standards and civil rights, cannot be salvaged through minor amendments. IMA also reiterates their objection to the National People's Power (NPP) government's decision to advance a repressive bill instead of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in its entirety, which was a campaign promise made during the elections.",
  "summary": "Internet Media Action (IMA) has strongly condemned the government’s attempt, through the gazette “Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill” (PSTA) (22 September 2026), to restrict citizens’ freedom of expression (FOE), media freedom and digital rights in an extremely repressive manner. IMA’s convener Sampath Samarakoon, issued the following statement: “Under local and international pressure,…",
  "key_points": [
    "IMA criticizes NPP's anti-terrorism law for violating freedom of expression and media rights.",
    "PSTA Bill viewed as digital dictatorship employing technology to reinforce repressive elements."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Internet Media Action's criticism of the new anti-terrorism law signals a sharp escalation of tensions between media groups and the NPP government over civil liberties and press freedom.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}