Former Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva has accused the government of introducing draconian security laws to suppress political dissent and violate fundamental civil rights.
The former chief justice made these remarks during a media conference held at the Colombo office of United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on 3 November.
Opposition figures also contend that the Protection of State from Terrorism Bill alongside the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill will undermine democratic freedoms and trigger severe international sanctions.
Speaking at the press briefing, Prof. G.L. Peiris warned that the country risks losing its European Union GSP Plus trade concessions due to strong condemnation from the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.
The former foreign minister pointed out that the new measures would allow forced confessions obtained under assault to be used as admissible evidence in court proceedings.
He further noted that the proposed law authorises police and armed forces to detain individuals without judicial oversight, calling for international intervention to stall the legislative process.
Meanwhile, the former chief justice pointed out that the military would be empowered to execute arrests and hold suspects for up to 72 hours before presenting them to a magistrate.
He cautioned that armed forces could be deployed without a declared state of emergency, leaving political opponents vulnerable to military overreach under the guise of state protection.
Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara tabled the controversial anti-terrorism and organised crime bills in parliament on 6 October and 20 October respectively.
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