Jaffna discussion scrutinises draft ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism’ bill

An open public discussion examining the draft “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA)” was held last week, at the Thanthai Chelva Auditorium in Jaffna, amid growing concern over the Sri Lankan government’s proposed replacement for the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The discussion was chaired by legal scholar Dr. K. Guruparan, Attorney-at-Law and Executive Director of the Jaffna Institute for Law and Policy, who guided the session through the legal and constitutional implications of the proposed legislation.

Participants at the forum included Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Member of Parliament S. Shritharan, Green Movement leader P. Ainkaranesan, Velansuvamigal, former Northern Provincial Minister of Education Kandiah Sarveswaran, former Northern Provincial Council member P. Kajatheepan, Murugaiya Gomagan, along with civil society representatives and members of the public.

The discussion focused on the contents of the draft bill, which the government has stated is intended to replace the PTA. Speakers examined whether the proposed legislation meaningfully departs from the repressive framework of the PTA or merely repackages it under a new name. Concerns were raised over the breadth of powers afforded to the state, the potential impact on civil liberties, and the likelihood that the law could be used to suppress dissent, protests, and political activity, particularly in the Tamil homeland.

Participants also reflected on the long history of the PTA being disproportionately deployed against the Tamil nation, enabling arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and prolonged incarceration without trial. In this context, speakers stressed the importance of public scrutiny and consultation, warning that the introduction of another sweeping national security law risks entrenching impunity rather than delivering justice or reconciliation.

The forum formed part of a wider series of discussions taking place across the North-East, as Tamil political representatives, legal experts, and civil society organisations assess the implications of the proposed legislation and its compatibility with fundamental rights and democratic norms.

Attendees emphasised the need for sustained public engagement and resistance to any law that could further legitimise repression under the guise of national security, particularly in regions that remain heavily militarised and subject to longstanding structural discrimination.