Government Introducing Two Bills to Impose State Terrorism on the Public Through Legal Means, Says Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the Government of attempting to restrict the fundamental and human rights of the public through two proposed pieces of legislation, claiming that the measures would effectively impose state terrorism on the country's 22 million people through legal means.

Premadasa said every citizen had fundamental and human rights, including the freedom to practise a religion of their choice, hold personal beliefs, become a member of a political party, express their views, organise meetings and participate in peaceful demonstrations.

However, he alleged that the Government was attempting to curtail these freedoms through the proposed legislation.

He made these remarks while attending an event to donate cement for development work at Sri Subodhirajaramaya Temple in Kusumgama, Gallella, in the Polonnaruwa District.

Executive powers over terrorism definitions

Referring to the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, Premadasa claimed that the legislation would undermine judicial authority and give the Executive excessive power to determine who should be classified as a terrorist or an organised criminal.

He alleged that the authorities could use a person's clothing, hairstyle or tattoos as grounds to label them a terrorist or an organised criminal.

Premadasa described this as an attempt to impose state terrorism on the country's 22 million people through legal provisions.

He acknowledged that Sri Lanka needed legislation to protect the country against terrorism in line with international conventions and agreements. However, he argued that the proposed laws would violate, rather than safeguard, the fundamental and human rights of citizens.

He further accused the Government of attempting to establish one-party rule and undermine democracy.

Raises concerns over religious freedoms

Premadasa also criticised what he described as Government interference in the robes worn by Buddhist monks.

He said the Constitution recognised the special place of Buddhism while also guaranteeing recognition, protection and respect for other religions, ethnic communities and cultures.

Referring to the administration of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, he recalled that a separate Cabinet Ministry had been established for Buddhist affairs, alongside State Ministries responsible for other religions and ethnic communities.

He alleged that the present Government had gone so far as to interfere with the robes of Buddhist monks, stressing that laypeople, regardless of the positions they held, should not interfere with the robes worn by members of the clergy.

He added that although circulars existed regarding such matters, discussions should have taken place before their implementation. According to him, no such consultation had been conducted.

Rejects the use of religion for political gain

The Opposition Leader said the President and the Government had yet to apologise to the public over the incident involving Buddhist monks' robes.

He stressed that his political approach was based on respecting all religions and communities while rejecting racism and religious extremism.

Premadasa also criticised groups he described as using Buddhist identity and religious slogans for political advantage, saying that religion should not be exploited for political gain.

He said genuine adherence to Buddhism should go hand in hand with respect for other religions and communities.