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PTA to be modified with amendments

by Manjula Fernando and Rajmi Manatunga

The Government has decided not to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), but is studying the possibility of modifying and amending certain clauses in it, Cabinet Spokesman Prof G.L. Peiris said.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing yesterday Prof Peiris denied reports that the Cabinet which met on Wednesday decided to repeal the Act which came into effect in the mid 80s.

"The PTA exists in countries like Malaysia, India, United States and United Kingdom as well and it is not meant to be a permanent and everlasting legislation. Now that the peace process has commenced we thought it is timely to take a fresh look at it and alter certain clauses which need amendment," he said adding that a special Cabinet sub-committee will look into the matter.

In response to a question, the Minister said the Government was not reviewing the legislation due to a demand by the LTTE to repeal it. The LTTE did not make such a demand at the first round of talks at Sattahip though we thoroughly discussed the subject of detainees, he said.

The PTA will not be in the agenda for the next round either, which will held from October 31 to November 3, Peiris added.

Prof Peiris admitted that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had made certain requests with regard to the PTA but said the decision to review the PTA had nothing to do with it.

While Prof. Peiris is expected to head the Cabinet sub-committee on the PTA, the other three members are likely to be Leader of the House and Minister of Justice, Law Reform, National Integration and Buddha Sasana W.J.M. Lokubandara, SLMC Leader and Minister of Ports, Shipping, Eastern Development and Muslim Religious Affairs Rauf Hakeem and Interior Minister John Amaratunga.

The committee will study whether there will be clauses in the Act which are deemed mandatory for the preservation of democracy.

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