Cabinet clears new anti-terror Bill

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication of the proposed Protecting the State from Terrorism Bill in the Government Gazette and its subsequent presentation to Parliament for approval.

The proposed legislation is intended to replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, while addressing shortcomings identified in the existing legal framework.

The Cabinet granted policy approval for the new legislation at its meeting on August 10, 2026.

A technical expert committee had earlier been appointed to prepare a preliminary draft of the proposed legislation. The Bill was subsequently formulated based on the committee’s draft.

The Bill, prepared by the Legal Draftsman, has also received clearance from the Attorney General.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved a proposal submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to gazette the Bill before presenting it to Parliament for consideration and approval.

The proposed legislation will now proceed through the parliamentary process, paving the way for the Government to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act with a new legal framework.