Trade unions and political activists demonstrated in Sri Lanka's capital on Friday, opposing new anti-terrorism and anti-crime bills they contend would grant sweeping powers to law enforcement and potentially enable abuses. The proposed legislation, named the Protection of the State from Terrorism and Prevention of Organized Crimes bills, has been submitted to Parliament, with a debate and vote scheduled for the coming weeks.
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns that the counterterrorism bill is overly broad, offers insufficient judicial oversight, and bestows extensive search and arrest powers upon the armed forces. The organization also noted that the bill grants executive authority to restrict freedom of speech and movement. Critics argue the bill seeks to replace existing legislation that has been associated with arbitrary detention and torture for decades.
Government spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa refuted these claims on Tuesday, asserting that the proposed laws would not infringe upon trade union or media freedoms. However, trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya described the bills as "draconian," warning that "anyone can be turned into a terrorist by these laws." Rathnapriya also pointed out the hypocrisy of the current government, which he stated had previously protested similar laws when in opposition.
The National People's Power alliance, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, came to power in 2024 with a promise to abolish "all oppressive laws." Dissanayake's presidential election victory was largely viewed as a public rejection of the established political order, which many blamed for the nation's severe economic crisis stemming from years of mismanagement and corruption.
Rathnapriya suggested that the government's push for these new laws is driven by a fear of public backlash due to its perceived failure to revive the economy. "Fearing that people might revolt against them, the government is now attempting to bring in tough laws in a bid to suppress any future public protests," he stated, adding that protests would persist if the bills are not withdrawn.