Civil Society Representatives Voice Opposition to Proposed PSTA and Organised Crime Bills

A meeting and media briefing organised by civil society groups to discuss the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) were held this morning at the YMBA Hall in Borella, Colombo.

The discussion and media briefing were organised by the Sihinaya organisation, with several civil society representatives and activists expressing their opposition to the proposed legislation.

Engineer Ananda Devasinha said he was completely opposed to both proposed bills and called on civil society organisations to unite against them.

He described the proposed legislation as being targeted at civil society organisations, warning that the Government could secure their passage if it exercised its full powers. However, he said civil society groups would continue to educate the public about the potential implications of the bills.

Civil society activist M.D.R. Athula also expressed his views against the proposed PSTA and POCA bills. He additionally raised concerns regarding electricity tariffs and alleged deaths occurring while individuals were in police custody.

Dr. Piyavi Wijewardena also voiced opposition to the proposed legislation.

Other participants included Aicharya Gunaratna Adhikari, K. Madhavan of the Centre for Human Rights and Social Development, and Vindana Vidura Kumara.