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Repealing PTA: Test of integrity for Sri Lanka's new political order

Daily FT

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June 04, 2025

THE National People's Power (NPP) emerged as a political force on the promise of transformative change. Among its core pledges—stated without ambiguity—was the complete repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

- By Mahil Dole

Repealing PTA: Test of integrity for Sri Lanka's new political order

This commitment, made in both its Presidential and Parliamentary election manifestos, was a powerful acknowledgment of the deep scars this law has left on Sri Lanka's social fabric. But now, signs of hesitation are emerging—and with them, the risk of betraying both domestic and international trust.

Importantly, at no point did the NPP campaign on a platform of replacing the PTA with a similarly broad and punitive law. If such an intention existed, it should have been clearly conveyed to the electorate. To proceed with a replacement now, cloaked in legal ambiguity or national security rhetoric, would be an act of political duplicity.

A law that bred conflict, not stability

Having served over four decades in law enforcement and national security—including as the head of the Counter-Terrorism Division—I have witnessed firsthand how the PTA, rather than curbing extremism, amplified cycles of violence and deepened ethnic grievances. Introduced in 1979 as a temporary measure, it soon became permanent. From the beginning, its broad and unchecked powers were used not just against armed militants but against journalists, students, political dissidents, and innocent civilians.

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1 min

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FORMER Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging him to reconsider the proposed abolition of pensions for Members of Parliament, warning that such a move could have far-reaching consequences for democratic representation in Sri Lanka.

time to read

1 min

January 24, 2026

Daily FT

One man can light the spark

THE iconic North of Sri Lanka-focused event — the Northern Investment Summit (NIS26) — was birthed on the inspiration of one man, based in the South of the country, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa.

time to read

2 mins

January 24, 2026

Daily FT

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Investing into an authentically sustainable planet

IT is only the bones that remain of over 600 humans.

time to read

7 mins

January 24, 2026

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Saskia Fernando Gallery's first exhibition for 2026 “Legacies” now on

SA SKIA Fernando Gallery’s first exhibition for the year 2026, Legacies, kicked off recently bringing together eight stalwarts of Sri Lankan art in a celebration of their individual contributions and far reaching influence on the visual landscape of Sri Lanka.

time to read

3 mins

January 24, 2026

Daily FT

Australia Day 2026 celebrated in Sri Lanka

Highlights friendship and shared values

time to read

1 min

January 24, 2026

Daily FT

Daily FT

A late bloom of words: Keith Jayasekera unveils 'Gigolo' and 'Chameleon Silva'

After nearly half a century away from the public literary eye, advertising veteran Keith Jayasekera, widely known as KayJay, steps forward with two striking works of fiction, 'Gigolo' and 'Chameleon Silva.

time to read

1 mins

January 24, 2026

Daily FT

Record drug seizures in 2025 as Police haul doubles from 2024

LAW enforcement authorities recorded the largest volume of drug seizures in recent history in 2025, according to Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler.

time to read

1 min

January 24, 2026

Daily FT

Daily FT

Veneration of sacred relics from 4 to 11 February at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple

THE veneration of the sacred relics, which are due to be brought to Sri Lanka with the intervention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the full patronage of the Government of India, will be held at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo for seven days from 4 to 11 February.

time to read

2 mins

January 24, 2026

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