Under the proposed Terrorism Act, individuals who commit acts of terrorism will face severe penalties ranging from a 20-year prison sentence with fines to life imprisonment, following a trial before the High Court.
The new legislation, titled “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act, No. of 2026,” has been published by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and is set to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The proposed bill defines terrorism as any act committed intentionally or knowingly that results in provoking a state of terror; intimidating the public or any section of the public; compelling the Government of Sri Lanka, any other government, or an international organisation to act or refrain from acting; or propagating war, violating territorial integrity, or infringing the sovereignty of Sri Lanka or any other sovereign state.
Individuals found guilty of associating with a terrorist organisation, encouraging or disseminating terrorist publications, or providing training will be subject to a prison term of 15 years along with a fine of Rs. 15 million.
According to the 64-page bill, military personnel are also empowered to stop and search individuals under reasonable suspicion and to take custody of materials found in the possession of suspects.
Once a suspect is taken into custody, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) must be informed of the arrest within 24 hours.
The legislation further authorises the IGP or a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) to obtain a Detention Order for a period of two months from the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Such a Detention Order may be renewed for up to one year from the date of arrest, as stated in the bill.
