The government will not push ahead with the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill just yet. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed that a thorough discussion with the public and relevant parties must happen first.
Speaking at the National Trade Union Conference on Saturday (7), the President mentioned that this call was taken during a morning discussion on the same day.
Talking to civil groups
The government intends to sit down with civil society organisations and other concerned groups who raised flags over the planned laws. The aim is to build a broad consensus before taking any further steps in Parliament.
President Dissanayake insisted that his administration does not rely on tough legislation to hold onto authority, adding that they are ready to step down if the public votes them out in an election.
“We are not a government that stays in power through laws and regulations,”President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Growing pushback
This announcement comes right after massive pushback from opposition political parties, legal professionals, trade unions, and civil rights groups. Many feared the proposed drafts would hit fundamental rights and civil liberties.
Tensions spilled onto the streets on Friday (6), when demonstrators staged protests in Colombo demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed laws.
What happens next
The government will pursue further public consultations before seeking parliamentary approval for the two Bills.
