Anti-Terror Bill: Buddhist, Catholic clergy unite in opposition to new bill

The Buddhist and Catholic clergy are expected to oppose the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill through several ways of action including instituting judicial proceedings, The Daily Morning learned.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the General Secretary of the National Bhikkhu Front (NBF), Ven. Wakamulle Uditha Thera said that the NBF has already discussed the Bill with several groups of Buddhist monks belonging to all Buddhist Sects. He said that the possible negative consequences which may arise if this Bill is passed were discussed at length during the relevant discussions. 

“After the initial discussions on this matter, we have requested for an opportunity from the Sangha Committees belonging to all the Sects to discuss this matter. In addition, we have also informed the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam Sect and the Ramanna and Amarapura Sects of this Bill, along with several other issues. The Opposition alone is not enough. We all have to come together to defeat this Bill.” 

When queried as to whether the Buddhist clergy led by the NBF has planned to challenge this Bill in the Supreme Court (SC), Uditha Thera said that attention has been drawn to that as well. “We have decided to protest this Bill through various methods. Taking legal action including challenging the Bill in the SC is one of them. We have not taken a final decision on this yet, but we will discuss and reach a final decision,” he added.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Catholic Church, speaking to The Daily Morning, said that the Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith is also ready to file a petition in the SC challenging the proposed Law. “The Archbishop has already announced the position of the Church regarding this Bill. He has also informed us that he will file a petition against the Bill. A date of filing the petition has not yet been decided, but it will happen at the due time.”

The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA) came into effect in 1979 as a temporary measure during the civil war and it was later made permanent in 1982. Since its enactment, the PTA was heavily criticised, with both local and international organisations urging the Sri Lankan authorities to repeal the Act, which is usually referred to as a “draconian” piece of Legislation. The Anti-Terrorism Bill was proposed to replace the controversial PTA, however, the Opposition political parties and many human rights advocates have raised concerns about the new Bill.