• Angered over non-acceptance of written objection against Anti-Terror Bill, and rerouting via Foreign Ministry 

A group of civil society representatives made critical remarks regarding the Indian High Commission (HC) in Colombo yesterday (19) for allegedly refusing to accept a written objection presented against the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill.

Several civil society representatives including the Families of the Disappeared Chairman Brito Fernando had visited the Indian High Commission to hand over a petition against the proposed Bill, which is to replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA). However, Fernando told the media that the Indian High Commission officials had refused to accept the petition and had instead informed them to submit it through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

“All other Embassies and High Commissions accepted our petition against the Bill, but the Indian High Commission refused to accept it and told us to send it through the Foreign Ministry. Let alone taking action, they should be ready to listen to the issues of the people. It is against the programme of the Government that we are speaking up. So, does the Indian High Commission want us to hand over this to the Government?,” he queried.

In the past, both local and international organisations have been urging the Sri Lankan authorities to repeal the PTA, which is usually referred to as a piece of “draconian” legislation. However, the Opposition political parties and many rights advocates have raised concerns about the new Bill, and claimed that the proposed Bill is more adverse than the PTA. Considering the possible adverse effects of the Bill, several concerned parties had recently requested diplomatic missions to urge the Government to immediately withdraw the Bill.