Sri Lanka Trade Unions Protest Proposed Bills Expanding Police Powers, Raise Fears Of Abuse

Sri Lanka Unions Take To Streets Against Proposed Anti-Terror Laws, Warn Of Police Excesses

Trade unions and political activists staged protests in Sri Lanka’s capital on Friday, opposing two proposed laws aimed at combating terrorism and organised crime. Demonstrators warned that the legislation could grant sweeping powers to law enforcement agencies, increasing the possibility of arbitrary arrests and violations of civil liberties.

The proposed laws, titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, have been submitted to Parliament. Lawmakers are expected to debate and vote on the legislation in the coming weeks.

Protesters argue that the proposed measures could be used to target political opponents, trade union members and ordinary citizens participating in demonstrations.

Human Rights Watch Raises Concerns Over Proposed Legislation

International human rights organisation Human Rights Watch has criticised the proposed counterterrorism legislation, describing its provisions as excessively broad and warning about inadequate judicial oversight.

According to the organisation, the bill would grant extensive search and arrest powers to the armed forces while giving the executive significant authority to restrict freedom of speech and movement.

The proposed legislation is intended to replace an existing law that critics have accused of facilitating arbitrary detention and torture of suspects over several decades.

However, the Sri Lankan government has rejected concerns that the new laws would undermine democratic freedoms.

Government spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday that the proposed legislation would not threaten the rights of trade unions or restrict media freedom.

Trade Union Leaders Accuse Government Of Double Standards

Trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya described the proposed legislation as draconian, arguing that its broad provisions could allow authorities to label almost anyone a terrorist.

He also questioned the government’s decision to introduce the bills, pointing out that the ruling alliance had previously opposed similar laws when it was in the opposition.

Rathnapriya warned that the proposed legislation could be used to suppress dissent and restrict public demonstrations.

He further accused the government of failing to deliver on its economic promises, suggesting that concerns over public dissatisfaction were behind the push for tougher laws.

Government Faces Questions Over Earlier Promises

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) alliance came to power in 2024 after promising to repeal laws considered oppressive.

Dissanayake’s election victory was widely viewed as a rejection of Sri Lanka’s established political leadership, which faced public anger over the country’s unprecedented economic crisis, corruption allegations and years of economic mismanagement.

The proposed legislation has therefore raised questions about the government’s commitment to its earlier promises on civil liberties and democratic rights.

Rathnapriya alleged that the administration was attempting to strengthen its powers amid concerns about possible public protests over economic conditions.

He warned that trade unions and activists would continue their demonstrations unless the government withdrew the proposed bills.

The controversy has brought the balance between national security powers and individual freedoms into focus as Sri Lanka prepares for parliamentary consideration of the legislation.