Police directed not to misuse PTA

17 February 2022 10:02 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directed the Police not to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as a shortcut but only if there are clear links to terrorism.

Foreign Minister, Professor G.L Peiris said that the President had told the Police not to use the PTA as a shortcut to dispense with investigations under the criminal procedures code.

The Foreign Minister said this showed that the whole attitude in conjunction with the proposed PTA amendments will make a “world of difference”.

“The Government has given clear instructions that the irresponsible use of the PTA must stop. Let’s give a chance and see if it happens or not,” the Foreign Minister said.

Peiris had expressed these views at a meeting with representatives of local civil society and Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO) held at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. Civil society and NGO representatives expressed strong reservations on the use of the PTA by the Police. The Foreign Minister strongly defended the proposed amendments to the PTA.

He rejected the stand taken by some that the amendments to the PTA are nothing new. Peiris said that the PTA prevented attempts to secure the release of Attorney-at-law Hejaaz Hizbullah despite the Attorney General not objecting to bail.

He said lawyers had to fight hard to eventually secure bail for Hizbullah at the Court of Appeal.

Peiris said that rejecting the amendments would mean the existing laws will remain further. As a result, the Foreign Minister said that the PTA amendments are an urgent requirement. He also said that the amendments do not mean it is the end of the road and that new laws will be drafted to replace the PTA. However, the Foreign Minister said drafting new laws will take time. The Foreign Minister also said that the report by the Commission of Inquiry (COI), headed by Supreme Court Judge A.H.M. Nawaz to assess the findings and recommendations of preceding Cois and Committees on human rights violations, will submit its report to the President over the next few days. He said the COI has sought a meeting with the President to submit their report.(EASWARAN RUTNAM)

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Comments - 19

Johan Thursday, 17 February 2022 10:20 AM

Make it as official announcement through gazette not verbal gimmicks

common man Thursday, 17 February 2022 10:23 AM

With all due respect Mr. President, leaving things at the hand of our police is not a good idea. Sri Lanka Police needs major retraining in poling work.

Laxman Thursday, 17 February 2022 10:27 AM

GL uses his talents to twist anything and everything to defend any wrongful actions of the Govt.

Nestley Meerwald Thursday, 17 February 2022 10:31 AM

Its good that the Present is making an effort to prevent the abuse of the PTA.

Roshanaly Thursday, 17 February 2022 10:41 AM

Only in words.

Ranjith Thursday, 17 February 2022 11:16 AM

Let the police do their job without political interference

Arnold Thursday, 17 February 2022 12:52 PM

So it means all this time they were misusing it. Such a sad kingdom we are living in.

Arnold Thursday, 17 February 2022 12:52 PM

So it means all this time they were misusing it. Such a sad kingdom we are living in.

VJ Thursday, 17 February 2022 01:17 PM

If you abolish the PTA, the risk of abusing could be mitigated. There is no justification not to abolish the draconian law.

Punchi Banda Thursday, 17 February 2022 01:48 PM

The police are not intelligent enough to understand any law and only torture to extract confessions. A compliant judiciary passes sentence based on extracted confessions

European Thursday, 17 February 2022 03:16 PM

This PTA is designed as a shortcut. So what are you talking about?

Ram Thursday, 17 February 2022 03:37 PM

Even if the Police wants to observe what President dictates to the letter, It will not happen as directions will go from the back door to misuse PTA

kondebadapu cheenata kiyapiya Thursday, 17 February 2022 04:07 PM

GL is talking nonsense before going to Geneva. Everyone knows that the police is Not independent and it's controlled by the president and his lackies.

vithura Thursday, 17 February 2022 04:15 PM

Clearly, he does not seem to know the meaning of statutes!

Vadivelu Thursday, 17 February 2022 04:29 PM

Can you provide the statistics of last 3 years arrest under PTA. If you think this was mis used then clearly need to get rid of this act. You similarly can’t use this for political revenge. What a gimmick!!!

gon nande Thursday, 17 February 2022 04:30 PM

Bullshit.. this clown has done enough harm to our nation..we MUST change the system. No clowns should take leading position of this country.

MirakRajBanda Thursday, 17 February 2022 04:38 PM

We are a democratic country until Human Rights Council in Geneva is over.

Mandayan Thursday, 17 February 2022 04:44 PM

As Defence Secretary you gave out empty but signed detention forms to all Police Stations to misuse the power. Now saying this!

Ralaharamy Thursday, 17 February 2022 05:54 PM

There is unwritten law that the words of President IS THE LAW. It will not be in gazette nor there is need for for it. THESE ARE THE WORDS.

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Police directed not to misuse PTA

Comments - 19

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