{
  "id": 17881610,
  "title": "Bad Bills as tools of one-party rule?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/bad-bills-as-tools-of-one-party-rule",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T00:00:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/bad-bills-as-tools-of-one-party-rule/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the world rapidly evolves, new laws are necessary to address emerging security threats, but they must adhere to internationally recognized standards and serve the public interest rather than the government's agenda. The Sri Lankan JVP-NPP government is under increasing pressure to revise and withdraw two contentious bills – the Protection of State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) and the Organized Crime Bill (OCB) – due to their potential to undermine civil liberties and promote one-party rule. Critics argue that these bills share similar repressive features as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), weakening judicial safeguards against arbitrary arrest, detention, and prosecution. They could facilitate torture and wrongful convictions, as well as expose journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens to legal abuse. The OCB even seeks to restrict reporting on court proceedings without prior court permission, potentially leading to imprisonment for journalists who fail to comply. This would severely limit media freedom, transparency, and public scrutiny, further eroding trust in law enforcement. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment has raised concerns about the erosion of public confidence in the judicial process. With the PSTB and OCB granting police more authority and limiting judicial review, there is a legitimate fear that these laws could pave the way for a political witch hunt against the government's rivals. Given the political leanings of key figures such as the incumbent Defence Secretary and the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, there are serious doubts about their impartiality in administering these laws. As allegations mount that the JVP-led government seeks to establish a one-party rule, questions arise as to whether the PSTB and OCB are tools designed to achieve this objective.",
  "summary": "Tuesday 3rd November, 2026 Power not only corrupts but also blinds the wielders of it to reality. Most rulers cherish the delusion that they can perpetuate their hold on power by making oppressive laws to overcome dissent and debilitate the Opposition, ignoring protests and wise counsel. When they lose power, they become the victims of […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}