Bill to amend the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, tabled

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister (Prof) G. L . Peiris on Thursday (10) presented the Bill to amend the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.

The second reading of the bill will take place on Friday (11), said the Foreign Minister.

MP Rauff Hakeem, from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, questioned the Minister if the undertakings with regard to making amendments to the shortcomings pointed out by the EU - Sri Lanka Joint Commission would be considered in the bill.

TNA Member of Parliament M. A. Sumanthiran followed up by questioning why the Foreign Minister tabled the bill when the media had reported quoting the Justice Minister had stated that the PTA would be repealed totally and a Counter-Terrorism Act will be introduced.

However, when the questions were being raised the Foreign Minister highlighted that the process is to present the bill first and debate it later on.

"The criticisms can be made when the bill is debated. The bill is presented in keeping with the standing orders of the house," he added.

The Foreign Minister noted that any citizen can challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, while government awaits the determination from the Supreme Court.

He said the government would adhere to the proper procedure.