Sri Lanka's premier business chamber says that the proposed national security and anti-crime legislation could jeopardise Sri Lanka’s export economy and international trade concessions if enacted without adequate legal safeguards.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce raised these concerns after submitting detailed observations on the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and reviewing the proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill.
It urged the government to review both bills to ensure they include precise legal definitions, robust judicial oversight, and protection for due process rights.
Pointing out that broad legal provisions and unconstrained enforcement powers risk damaging investor confidence at a critical moment in the country's economic recovery, the chamber said that maintaining legal predictability is essential for attracting long-term foreign direct investment and positioning the island as a stable commercial destination.
The chamber also noted that compromised legal standards could endanger access to the European Union's GSP Plus scheme, which grants duty-free entry to major Sri Lankan exports.
Key export sectors including apparel, fisheries, and rubber manufacturing rely heavily on tariff concessions to remain competitive in global markets.
Eligibility for these trade preferences depends directly on compliance with international human rights, labour, and governance conventions.
Business leaders said that national security measures must also align with international commitments to prevent fresh economic vulnerabilities.
The chamber reiterated its readiness to consult with policymakers to foster transparent parliamentary scrutiny and independent legal reviews.
