The Lawyers’ Collective has urged the government to prioritize the abolition of the Executive Presidency and the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Online Safety Act, highlighting these as critical legislative reforms essential for the nation’s progress.
In a statement released on December 5, the Collective called on Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet of Ministers and the 10th Parliament to honor the legislative mandate entrusted to them by the people during the recent elections. They emphasized that the legislative agenda should align with the sovereign will of the public to address these urgent reforms.
Abolition of the Executive Presidency
The Collective underscored the detrimental impact of the Executive Presidency on democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of public institutions, including the judiciary. They argued that this system has perpetuated the abuse of power, corruption, and the erosion of public trust in institutions over decades, particularly between 2009 and 2024.
“The task of drafting a constitution to abolish the Executive Presidency can be completed within the first year of office,” the statement asserted, urging the government to prioritize this reform to restore public confidence and strengthen democratic governance.
Repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act
The Collective also called for the immediate repeal of the PTA, describing it as an oppressive law that has historically been misused to suppress civil liberties. With its vague definition of terrorism and extensive powers of arrest, the PTA has drawn criticism from human rights advocates for undermining fundamental freedoms.
“The PTA has made a mockery of Sri Lanka’s anti-terrorism legal framework and has been consistently used to suppress legitimate freedoms of expression, assembly, and other civic rights,” the statement noted, urging the government to replace it with laws that adhere to international human rights standards.
Opposition to the Online Safety Act
Criticism was also directed at the Online Safety Act of 2023, which the Collective said undermines freedom of speech through overly broad definitions and enforcement mechanisms.
“Presented as a measure to protect women and children, the Online Safety Act is overwhelmingly centered on defamation and critique, effectively rolling back Sri Lanka’s progress on safeguarding free expression,” the Collective stated, emphasizing the need for its repeal.
Concerns Over University Autonomy
The Lawyers’ Collective expressed deep concern over the autonomy of Sri Lanka’s public universities, citing the ongoing crisis at Ruhuna University as an example. They stressed that any interventions in university governance must uphold due process, natural justice, and institutional independence to preserve the credibility of academic institutions.
Call for Swift Action
The Collective urged the government to take advantage of the current political mandate to enact these constitutional reforms, noting that previous efforts had stalled due to the lack of a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
They emphasized the importance of immediate action to ensure accountability, strengthen democratic institutions, and uphold governance in alignment with the people’s aspirations.
