Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1979 (Sri Lanka)

Summary

Sri Lanka's draconian counter-terrorism law initially enacted as a 'temporary' measure, conferring sweeping powers of arrest without warrant (up to 72 hours extendable), prolonged administrative detention (up to 18 months), and admissibility of confessions. Used systematically against Tamil civilians during and after the civil war. Widely criticised by OHCHR, UN Special Rapporteurs, and the EU (GSP+ conditionality).

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil diaspora members returning to Sri Lanka, including those with perceived LTTE sympathies or who engage in diaspora advocacy, have been detained under the PTA; the Act's broad definition of 'unlawful activity' captures political speech and association. UK and EU have conditioned trade benefits on PTA reform.

Key provisions

• s.2 — unlawful activities including acts causing communal disharmony
• s.6 — search and arrest without warrant
• s.7 — detention order for up to 72 hours + extension up to 18 months
• s.15 — admissibility of confessions to police officers
• s.26 — non-interference by courts with detention orders

Primary source

Related entries

• → International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act 2007 (Sri Lanka) (LK)
• → Online Safety Act 2024 (Sri Lanka) (LK)
• → Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka 1983 (LK)
• → Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 and Protocol 1967 (UN)