Sri Lankan Unions Protest Proposed Security Bills Amid Fears of State Abuse

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Trade unions and political activists gathered in Colombo on Friday to protest proposed anti-terrorism and anti-crime legislation, warning that the bills would grant sweeping authority to law enforcement and risk enabling abuses.

The measures, titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism and Prevention of Organized Crimes bills, have been submitted to Parliament, with debate and a vote expected in the coming weeks.

Human Rights Watch criticized the proposed counterterrorism law as overly broad, citing inadequate judicial oversight, expansive search and arrest powers for the armed forces, and executive authority to restrict freedom of speech and movement.

The legislation seeks to replace existing laws that critics argue have facilitated arbitrary detention and the torture of detainees in Sri Lanka for decades.

Government spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa rejected the allegations on Tuesday, stating that the proposed laws would not harm trade unions or media freedoms.

“These are clearly draconian laws,” said trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya, adding that “anyone can be turned into a terrorist under these laws.”

Rathnapriya argued that the government had no right to impose such oppressive laws, noting that its leaders had protested similar measures while in opposition.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power alliance assumed power in 2024 with a pledge to abolish “all oppressive laws.”

His presidential victory that year was widely interpreted as a rejection of the old political guard, which was blamed for an unprecedented economic crisis following decades of mismanagement and corruption.

Rathnapriya said the government has failed to revive the economy.

“Fearing that the public might revolt against them, the government is attempting to introduce tough laws to suppress future protests,” he said, adding that demonstrations would continue unless the bills were withdrawn.

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