Govt. to repeal PTA, introduce new law within two months: Minister

Colombo, June 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Government intends to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and introduce a new people-centric piece of legislation within the next two months, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara said.

Speaking during a discussion with civil society representatives and public officials at the Kilinochchi District Secretariat on Thursday, the Minister said the proposed law would be designed solely to combat terrorism and would not be used to suppress individuals or political groups.

He said the new legislation is currently being prepared and is expected to be presented in the near future as part of the government's broader efforts to reform the legal framework governing national security.

Addressing concerns over missing persons, Nanayakkara said the government had taken steps over the past year to strengthen the Office on Missing Persons by allocating funds and completing the required recruitment process. He said that despite the end of the conflict in 2009, previous administrations had failed to fully address investigations into missing persons due to a lack of political commitment.

The Minister said the current administration remains committed to ensuring justice for affected families and bringing long-standing investigations to a conclusion.

He further said that the government is continuing efforts to release lands in the Northern Province and reopen roads that remain closed, with the aim of building trust and promoting reconciliation among communities.