Summary of Sri Lanka’s Use of Counterterrorism Laws (2024-2025)
This text details concerning trends in Sri Lanka’s use of its counterterrorism laws, particularly the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), from 2024-2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Increased PTA Use: Arrests under the PTA have increased – 49 in the first five months of 2025 compared to 38 in all of 2024.
* Misapplication of the Law: The PTA is frequently used for purposes beyond combating terrorism,including targeting individuals critical of the government (even regarding Israel) and addressing organized crime/drug offenses.
* Targeting of Critics & Civil Society:
* Human rights defenders are repeatedly questioned by the Terrorism Examination Division.
* A journalist was investigated for “terrorism” after reporting on a mass grave linked to the civil war.
* Police conduct baseless “terrorism” investigations into civil society members, particularly in the north and east, seemingly to intimidate and obstruct funding.
* International Law Violations: UN human rights experts have found the PTA violates international human rights law, including conventions related to enforced disappearances, torture, and civil/political rights.
* unmet Reform Recommendations: The UN has previously outlined five prerequisites for the law to comply with international standards (clear definition of terrorism, legal certainty, preventing arbitrary detention, etc.), which have not been met.
In essence, the report paints a picture of a counterterrorism law being weaponized against dissent, used for purposes beyond its intended scope, and in violation of international human rights standards.
