HRW Warns of Rights Abuses: New Anti-Terror Bill Threatens GSP+ and Civil Liberties

By Lions Roar News Political & Human Rights Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) — Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised a red flag over the Sri Lankan government’s proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill, warning that it opens the door for widespread abuse and fails to meet international standards.

In a scathing statement, the global rights watchdog argued that the draft legislation ignores key recommendations from United Nations experts and could jeopardize Sri Lanka’s crucial GSP Plus (GSP+) tax concessions from the European Union.

⚠️ A Threat to Democracy

Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Director of the Asia Division at Human Rights Watch, highlighted that the new “Protection of the State from Terrorism” bill bears a striking resemblance to the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which the current administration had previously vowed to repeal.

Key Concerns Raised by HRW:

• Vague Definitions: The bill contains broad and ambiguous definitions of “terrorism,” which HRW warns could be used to criminalize non-terrorist offenses and legitimate political activity.
• Targeting Dissent: History shows that such laws have been weaponized against Tamil and Muslim minorities, human rights defenders, and political opponents—a trend HRW claims is continuing under the current government.
• GSP+ Violation: Sri Lanka’s access to EU trade benefits is contingent on upholding international human rights conventions. HRW asserts this bill is a direct violation of those commitments.

📉 Broken Promises?

The watchdog pointed out that while the government pledged to abolish all oppressive laws and ensure civil rights, the new bill essentially rebrands the old PTA.

“The government’s proposed law includes several provisions similar to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which has been used to violate fundamental rights,” Ganguly stated. She emphasized that without a clear, narrow definition of terrorism, the law remains a tool for political suppression.

📊 Comparison: PTA vs. Proposed Anti-Terror Bill