Sri Lanka’s proposed crime and terror bills mask authoritarian overreach: Opposition

EconomyNext reports that Parliament debated Sri Lanka’s proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes (POC) Bill and Protection of the State from Terrorism (PST) Bill, alongside amendments to the Trusts Ordinance. EconomyNext says ministers defended the package as necessary to dismantle criminal networks, meet Financial Action Task Force requirements and preserve EU GSP Plus trade concessions.

EconomyNext reports that opposition MP Ajith Perera said a 31-page United Nations communication dated October 30, 2026, found the POC Bill inconsistent with human rights and international standards. EconomyNext also says Perera cited the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka as calling for the bill’s withdrawal.

EconomyNext reports that Perera warned the POC Bill would allow Deputy Inspectors General to intercept phone communications without court warrants, require journalists to reveal confidential sources and permit extended administrative detention. He also argued that the bill would override protections in the Evidence Ordinance concerning police confessions.

Newswire reports that the Yukthi Collective expressed concern about the proposed PSTA and POC laws, describing them as measures intended to suppress public dissent. EconomyNext reports that opposition MP Rauff Hakeem also criticised the package, but the available report excerpt does not provide his full argument.

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.