The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has formally called on the Sri Lankan government to make substantial revisions to its proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) before the legislation is enacted. The appeal, issued on October 13, 2026, from both Geneva and Colombo, came on the same day that civil society groups staged a visible protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat, highlighting growing concern over the bill's potential impact on fundamental freedoms and human rights in the country.
What Is the PSTA and Why Does It Matter?
The Protection of the State from Terrorism Act, commonly referred to as the PSTA, is Sri Lanka's proposed replacement for the widely criticized Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a law that has long drawn condemnation from human rights organizations around the world. The PTA was frequently used to detain individuals — often journalists, activists, and members of minority communities — for extended periods without trial. Supporters of reform had hoped that a new piece of legislation would mark a decisive break from those troubling practices.
However, the OHCHR and a broad coalition of civil society organizations argue that the PSTA, in its current form, fails to deliver on that promise. Rather than representing a meaningful improvement, critics contend that the bill retains many of the same problematic provisions that made its predecessor so controversial, while introducing new elements that could further erode civil liberties.
Key Concerns Raised by the UN Rights Office
The OHCHR's recommendations identified several critical areas where the PSTA requires significant revision before it can be considered compliant with international human rights standards.
One of the primary concerns relates to the broad and vague definition of terrorism within the bill. Legal experts and rights advocates warn that overly expansive definitions can be weaponized by authorities to target peaceful protesters, journalists, political dissidents, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. The UN body has urged the Sri Lankan government to adopt a narrowly tailored definition that aligns with internationally accepted standards and cannot be misused for political purposes.
Another major issue flagged by the OHCHR concerns the detention provisions contained within the PSTA. The bill reportedly allows for prolonged detention without adequate judicial oversight, a feature that mirrors one of the most condemned aspects of the old PTA. The UN office has stressed that any anti-terrorism legislation must include robust safeguards, including prompt access to legal counsel, timely judicial review, and clear limits on how long a person can be held without charge.
The rights office also raised alarms about provisions that could restrict freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association — rights that are protected under international law. There is particular concern that the PSTA could be applied in ways that silence legitimate dissent, suppress investigative journalism, or criminalize the peaceful advocacy of minority communities, including Tamils who continue to seek accountability for abuses committed during Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war.
Civil Society Amplifies the Call for Reform
The timing of the OHCHR statement was not coincidental. On the same day the UN issued its recommendations, civil society organizations gathered in protest outside the Presidential Secretariat, sending a clear message to the government that ordinary citizens and advocacy groups share the international community's concerns. The demonstration reflected a broader movement within Sri Lanka pushing back against what many see as a missed opportunity to genuinely reform the country's counter-terrorism legal framework.
Human rights lawyers, journalists' associations, and community groups have all been vocal in their opposition to the PSTA in its current form. Many argue that true security and stability cannot be achieved by sacrificing the rule of law and the rights of citizens, and that a credible anti-terrorism framework must be built on a foundation of justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Sri Lanka's International Obligations and the Path Forward
Sri Lanka is a signatory to several key international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The OHCHR has reminded the government that any counter-terrorism legislation must be compatible with these binding obligations. Enacting a flawed law would not only harm citizens domestically but could also damage Sri Lanka's standing in the international community and complicate its relationships with foreign partners and international financial institutions.
The UN Rights Office has urged the government to engage in a transparent and inclusive consultation process before moving forward with the PSTA. This process should meaningfully involve civil society, legal experts, affected communities, and opposition voices to ensure that the final legislation reflects genuine democratic values.
As Sri Lanka continues its fragile economic and political recovery, the handling of the PSTA will serve as an important indicator of the government's commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The international community, led by the OHCHR, is watching closely — and urging Colombo to get it right before it is too late.