VIDEO: Heated Debate Over Sri Lanka's Anti-Terror Bill: Justice Minister and TNA MP Clash

COLOMBO (News 1st); A tense parliamentary debate ensued on Wednesday (11) as the Sri Lankan government's proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill came under intense scrutiny. 

The clash pitted Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Minister of Justice, against S. Sridharan, a Member of Parliament from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

The removal of the Defense Minister's power to issue detention orders and its transfer to the Defense Secretary with judicial oversight was highlighted by Dr. Rajapakshe. Sridharan countered, claiming inconsistencies with existing laws and potential misuse against innocent civilians.

Dr. Rajapakshe defended the proposed definition, drawing comparisons to other nations like the UK. Sridharan argued that the PTA had disproportionately impacted the Tamil community.

Both sides engaged in a heated exchange, invoking historic events like the LTTE conflict and civilian deaths. Dr. Rajapakshe blamed the LTTE for targeted killings, while Sridharan pointed to state-sanctioned violence and the plight of Tamil prisoners.