A signature campaign calling for the withdrawal of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) was held on Saturday afternoon in the Mannar Bazaar area, organised by the Mannar Social and Economic Development Organisation.
The campaign took the form of a postcard signature drive and was led by the organisation’s Director, Yardsan Figueredo. Lawyers, social activists and human rights advocates were among those who participated. The event concluded with a media briefing outlining concerns over the proposed legislation.
Addressing the press, MSEDO Director Yardsan Figueredo and Attorney-at-Law Selvarasa Dinesan stated that social activists, human rights advocates and members of the public had come together to convey a message to the Sri Lankan government. They said the postcard signature campaign and press conference were organised for that purpose.
They noted that a process is currently underway to seek public opinion on a proposed Bill intended to replace Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), legislation framed as a measure to protect the state from terrorism. Drawing on their continued engagement with the public, they asserted that the entire Tamil people had expressed complete opposition to the proposed replacement law.
They argued that the provisions contained in the existing PTA appeared to have been incorporated into the new Bill. As such, they contended that the proposed law is structured in a manner that undermines or infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
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They further maintained that if a provision of the Constitution, or its fundamental character, were to be altered, such changes must be effected only through a referendum conducted among the people. In that context, they stated that introducing legislation which calls into question constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights, particularly by a government holding a two-thirds majority in Parliament, would wound the sentiments of the people.
They also argued that the proposed anti-terror law lacks international acceptance and is opposed not only by Tamil people but also the Sinhala people rendering it unsuitable for the island as a whole.
Questioning the necessity of the legislation, they stated that when there is no terrorism in the country at present, the issue that arises in the minds of many is why such a law is required.
They further called on the Sri Lankan government to honour the promises made during the election and to cease using anti-terror legislation as a means to suppress or oppress the people. They reiterated that they would continue to oppose the Bill and conveyed that the Tamil people stand against it.
The organisers emphasised that in a context where there is no terrorism in the country, such a law is unnecessary. In keeping with election promises, they urged the government to abandon attempts to introduce legislation that could suppress the people.
The Mannar campaign forms part of a wider mobilisation across the Tamil homeland against both the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act and its proposed replacement.
