IUSF activists will not be charged under PTA - PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); It was announced in the Sri Lankan Parliament on Wednesday (31) that the university students arrested during Tuesday's protest will not be detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Wednesday questioned if it is prohibited to protest in the streets, adding that invitations are being extended to form an All-Party Government while State-Sponsored intimidation, and terror is taking place in the country.

He raised concerns as to whether the 25 IUSF protesters who were arrested on Tuesday will be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and requested the Prime Minister make a responsible statement on the matter.

He reminded the Prime Minister that Sri Lanka will be a topic of discussion at the Geneva Human Rights Council sessions in September.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said if anyone was arrested during the student movement campaign, there is no requirement of arresting them under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The Prime Minister further mentioned that it is not expected to make arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and matters will be looked at by the general law of the country. 

The Prime Minister said that the basic rights are not the rights of one person but the rights of other people as well and the government is committed to maintaining an atmosphere where no one is obstructed.

Note: Image Credit to Thilina Kaluthotage