Trade unions and political activists rallied in Sri Lanka’s capital on Friday against proposed anti-terrorism and anti-crime bills, warning they grant sweeping police powers and risk severe abuses.
The bills-Protection of the State from Terrorism and Prevention of Organized Crimes-were submitted to Parliament for debate and voting in the coming weeks. They seek to replace legacy laws notorious for enabling arbitrary detention and torture.
Human Rights Watch cautioned that the proposed counterterrorism bill lacks adequate judicial oversight and excessive authority curtails freedom of speech and movement.
Trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya dubbed them "draconian laws" aimed at suppressing public protests amid the government's failure to revive the economy. He criticized President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power alliance-which took power in 2024 pledging to abolish oppressive laws-for attempting to pass them.
However, Government spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa rejected rights groups' allegations, insisting the laws will not harm trade unions or media freedoms. Activists vowed protests will continue unless the bills are withdrawn.