(UTV | COLOMBO) – The government today presented the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Bill in Parliament to amend the PTA Act, No. 48 of 1979.
The bill was presented by Foreign Minister GL Peiris to amend the PTA Act.
Following the presentation of the Bill, Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rauff Hakeem questioned whether the government will consider the amendments and shortcomings that were highlighted during the recently concluded Sri Lanka-EU Joint Commission meeting.
Meanwhile, TNA Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran also questioned the government’s intention and reason behind presenting the Bill when it has already made an undertaking before the international community to repeal the PTA.
In response, Foreign Minister Peiris said the government is following due process to amend the PTA Act.
He also noted that any citizen or a Member of Parliament can challenge the bill or the proposed amendments before the Supreme Court.
Accordingly, the second reading of the bill will take place tomorrow.