By Basant El-Faramawy
Trade unions and political activists rallied in Colombo on Friday against proposed anti-terrorism and anti-crime bills, warning they would grant sweeping powers to law enforcement and could lead to abuses.
Bills submitted to Parliament
The bills — the Protection of the State from Terrorism and Prevention of Organized Crimes — were submitted to Parliament, which has scheduled a debate and vote in the coming weeks.
Rights groups raise concerns
Human Rights Watch said the proposed counterterrorism law is too broad, provides inadequate judicial oversight, grants sweeping search and arrest powers to the armed forces, and allows executive authority to curtail freedom of speech and movement. The bill seeks to replace legislation that critics say has enabled arbitrary detention and torture for decades.
Government rejects criticism
Government spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa rejected the allegations on Tuesday, saying the proposed laws would not harm trade unions or media freedoms.
Activists vow continued protests
“These are clearly draconian laws,” trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya said, adding that “anyone can be turned into a terrorist by these laws.” He said the government had no right to bring such oppressive laws because they had protested against similar laws when in opposition.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power alliance came to power in 2024 pledging to abolish “all oppressive laws.” His victory was seen as a rejection of the political old guard blamed for an economic crisis.
Rathnapriya said the government has failed to revive the economy. “Fearing that people might revolt against them, the government is now attempting to bring in tough laws to suppress any future public protests,” he said, adding protests would continue if the bills were not withdrawn.
