The sixth meeting of the European Union – Sri Lanka Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights issued a joint statement that said the Sri Lankan government informed them that the PTA has only been used in instances of extreme necessity.

The organisation expressed its concern about the recent use of the PTA and said it also notes the steps taken by Sri Lanka in March 2022 to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The joint statement said the Sri Lankan government however assured them that the PTA has been invoked only in instances of extreme necessity. The EU noted Sri Lanka’s update on the release of detainees under the PTA in 2021-2022 and encouraged the release of long-term detainees under the PTA who have not been charged. Sri Lanka expressed its strong commitment to preparing a comprehensive legislative proposal to replace the PTA in accordance with the Constitution, and in line with international norms and best practices, with a view to its finalisation in 2023.