SLPP says Anti-Terror Bill should be reviewed, and it should not violate principles of democracy

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has requested the President to review the Anti-Terrorism Bill, and introduce a bill that does not violate the principles of democracy.

SLPP General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam told reporters on Tuesday (11) that as a party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna would never agree to any bill or legislation that curtails the people's fundamental right to expression.

He also said the SLPP will also not agree to any bill or legislation that would do away with the rights of the people to secure their fundamental rights.

Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam said the definition of terrorism as mentioned in the Anti-Terrorism Bill should be subject to certain limitations, and restrictions.

He said that if the bill defines every single act of dissent as terrorism, that bill is not one that is suitable for a democratic society.

The SLPP General Secretary said that based on the views expressed in the media, it appears that the Justice Minister who is moving the bill also is not confident about the said piece of legislation.

He said a request was made from the President to review the bill, and appoint a committee of experts to study the matter, and introduce a bill that does not violate the principles of democracy.

He said when a government is introducing a bill, the government should definitely place its confidence in the piece of legislation, and in the absence of such confidence, there is no necessity to introduce such legislation.