"It is now reported this new draft for "counter terrorism" has been referred by the Cabinet to two Sectoral Oversight Committees on National Security and Justice. Very authoritative sources have read it as far more terrifying than even the PTA it would replace," they say in a statement.

The statement also says :

'With this draft 'Counter Terrorism Act', Sirisena-Wickramasinghe coalition government seems to be unduly using the opportunity provided by the UN OISL Resolution 30/1 co-sponsored with the US in 2015 October. The new piece of law if adopted could give them occasion to crush any dissent, any opposition, labelling all as 'terrorism'."

"Most provisions clearly contradict Chapter III, Constitution 14 of the present Constitution that guarantee "freedom of expression" as a fundamental right. All of it taken in the context of President Sirisena's assumption of selective justice declared publicly (controversial statement made at SLFI on 12 Oct.) makes a mockery of law enforcement, where democracy and rule of law would fall victim to dictatorial diktats of those abusing power."

"We therefore stand firmly convinced, this piece of draft law is far worse than the PTA it is meant to replace. The proposed draft should not be gazetted and brought to parliament as it stands. We demand it be dropped forthwith completely and a new piece of law be drafted to replace the PTA. And that draft to be opened for public consultations before it goes through the legal process of becoming law."

The complete statement is shown below :