Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has responded to public concerns over the new bill on protecting the state from terrorism, which has been presented to parliament by the government.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet media briefing held today (20), Minister Jayatissa addressed claims circulating in society that the proposed legislation could allow individuals to be arrested for having long hair or tattoos.

The Minister also commented on concerns raised by President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris regarding the proposed bill in a social media post.
Minister Jayatissa said that anyone who has concerns about the legislation has the option of challenging it before the Supreme Court, which would then determine the appropriate course of action.

Responding to the concerns, the Minister said that legal professionals, including those working in the field and individuals taught by Pieris, had been involved in drafting the bill. He argued that provisions allowing people to be arrested simply for having tattoos or long hair would not be included in the proposed legislation.

“If such provisions exist, anyone can go to the Supreme Court and challenge them. That is the best course of action,” the Minister said.

He further stated that the bill should be considered as a whole rather than being judged solely on the basis of one or two disputed provisions.

Minister Jayatissa also maintained that the government had repealed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and introduced the new bill with the intention of establishing a legal framework to protect the state from terrorism while safeguarding human rights.

He urged those who have concerns about specific provisions to seek judicial review rather than relying solely on public debate through the media.