COLOMBO : In a letter sent to Prof G.L. Pieris Minister of Foreign Affairs by M. Hussain Mohamed Chairman. Sri Lanka Islamic Centre, the organization has pointed out that after considering many aspects of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No. 48 of 1979 (PTA), it has been identified as a draconian piece of legislation threatening the civil liberties of the citizens of this country.
Mohammed further added:” The PTA was first introduced at a time when terrorism in the North and East was increasingly prevalent and as such may have been considered necessary by the Government of the day. However despite the conclusion of the armed conflict, continuing with this same draconian law has resulted in suspicion and fear in the minds of the people.’
“ The PTA has been misused on several occasions to harass persons in civil society as well as opposition political parties to suppress their democratic rights.
There have been several recent incidents where persons from different communities have been held in custody and detained indefinitely using the provisions of the PTA thereby infringing their fundamental rights.
We observe that the government has released several persons detained by the security forces as a result of the pressure brought about by the UNHCHR.
Under the circumstances, the Amendments to the PTA proposed by the Government fall far short of what has to be done to address the draconian features of the PTA.
The Sri Lanka Islamic Centre, therefore, urges the Government to repeal the PTA and strengthen democracy in this country. This will ensure that there will be no disunity among the communities who have been living in communal harmony from the time of the ancient kings.”
