The European Union (EU) has requested that Sri Lanka narrow the definition of terrorism in its proposed counter-terrorism legislation, the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), an official familiar with the matter said.
The PSTA is intended to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a law first enacted in 1979 that has faced widespread criticism for enabling human rights abuses, arbitrary detention, and suppression of dissent.
While the previous government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe drafted an anti-terrorism bill, the current government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake introduced the PSTA and presented it for public consultation.
An official involved in the process said the EU had submitted detailed feedback, urging that the definition of terrorism be narrowed to align with international standards. Critics have warned that the current draft of the PSTA uses very broad language—covering acts that intimidate the public or “cause terror”—which could potentially criminalize peaceful protest, civil society activities, or political dissent.
Like the PTA, the draft PSTA allows extended detention without charge, extraordinary arrest powers, and expanded executive authority, raising concerns about arbitrary detention. The Justice Ministry is currently revising the definition to ensure that listed offenses meet internationally recognized thresholds for terrorism.
The EU has emphasized that repealing the PTA and enacting a counter-terrorism law in line with international standards is essential for Sri Lanka to maintain eligibility for the GSP+ trade scheme.
