Trade Unions and Public Groups Demand Immediate Withdrawal of Proposed Anti-Terrorism Law

A protest organised by trade unions and the People's Power movement was held today in front of the Colombo Fort Railway Station, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and opposing what protesters described as repressive state legislation.

The protesters demanded that the government immediately withdraw the proposed new anti-terrorism legislation, claiming that its implementation would undermine democratic freedoms and adversely affect the country's progress.

They warned that if the government continued with plans to introduce the legislation, trade unions would take measures to ensure that it was not implemented.

The demonstrators gathered outside the Fort Railway Station, holding placards and chanting slogans while expressing their opposition to the proposed law.

Several trade union representatives and activists addressed the protest.

Those who provided media statements included:

• Joseph Stalin – President, Ceylon Teachers' Union

• Ashila Dandeniya – Active member, Trade Unions and People's Power

• Nandana Udayakumara – Secretary, Ceylon Electricity Technical Engineers and Superintendents' Association

• Ranga Bandaranayake – President, Sri Lanka Professional Journalists' Association