Government faces UN salvo

Lanka Business Online reports that the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has urged Sri Lanka’s government to reassess the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill before it becomes law. It says the process should include independent institutions, civil society organisations and legal experts. Lanka Business Online reports that the bill was gazetted on 22 September 2026.

Lanka Business Online reports that OHCHR’s nine recommendations include defining terrorism and related offences more narrowly, and revising provisions that could penalise protected speech or civic work.

Lanka Business Online reports that OHCHR recommends requiring judicial warrants as the standard for intrusive searches, entry and seizures; keeping civilian police in the lead; creating independent oversight, accountability and remedies; restricting immunity clauses; and consulting the public meaningfully before proceeding with legislation.

Daily Mirror reports that OHCHR expressed concern that the proposal could put journalists and civil society actors at greater risk and hinder the observation and recording of militarized and other activities. Lanka Business Online reports that OHCHR said it was willing to continue discussions with the government and offer technical assistance toward counterterrorism laws aligned with international human rights law and relevant international standards.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.