Colombo, 19 June 2025 — The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has formally written to Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice and National Integration, urging the Government to expedite the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No. 48 of 1979 (PTA). This intervention comes as part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to promote a rights based approach to national security.
In its letter, HRCSL enclosed the official findings and recommendations from Case No. SUO MOTU-08-25, which directly relate to the government’s ongoing repeal process. The case involves the arrest and detention of Mohamad Liyaudeen Mohamed Rusdi by the Counter Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID) of the Sri Lanka Police under the PTA.
Following an independent inquiry and comprehensive review of all documentation submitted by the CTID, the Commission concluded its investigation and issued its formal findings and recommendations on 12 June 2025.
The Commission emphasized that the Rusdi case highlights systemic issues of arbitrary detention and lack of due process under the PTA framework. These findings, according to HRCSL, further strengthen the case for its complete repeal and for the establishment of legal safeguards aligned with Sri Lanka’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The HRCSL has reiterated its commitment to assist the government in designing a national security framework that ensures both public safety and the protection of fundamental rights.
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