NMSJ condemns abuse of PTA

The abuse of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by the government is becoming a serious cause for concern, Chairman of the National movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday issuing a statement.

He has said that the PTA is opposed by everyone who respects democracy and the fundamental rights of the people. The attempts to suppress political and civil society is troubling, he said.The entire Sri Lankan society must together voice their dissent against these acts, Jayasuriya said.

“We have had to once again revisit the issue as the government has taken steps to detain the Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation as well as other civil and political activists for 90 days under the PTA without presenting them before any court of law. This is in no way acceptable to a civilised society that hopes for a better country which respects the rights assured to its citizens by the country’s constitution including the right to dissent. Therefore, the National Movement for a Just Society will continue to unconditionally stand against such acts,” Jayasuriya said.

He added that the country was on the brink of a disaster both politically and economically. Therefore, everyone must make necessary sacrifices to save the country and its people from a tragic fate. To resort to such a collective approach, democratic traditions must be respected above all else, Jayasuriya said.

In addition to this all political forces must respect one’s right to dissent. Humanity must be respected while draconian laws despised by the world must be rejected, the NMSJ head said.

“Therefore continuing to use draconian laws such as the PTA, which is opposed greatly within the country and abroad will not only be a threat to the freedom and rights of the country’s people but also lead to Sri Lanka becoming marginalised and isolated internationally. At a time where international support is imperative to resolve the economic crisis faced by the country, such actions will invariably have serious consequences for our country,” he said.

Jayasuriya added that on behalf of the motherland and future generations, they request the government to immediately stop all acts of suppression against civil and political activists and to not justify the use of draconian laws such as the PTA.

“We urge the government to extend the hand of friendship to all parties instead of repression and threats, and to thereafter implement a common program within a set time period while casting aside all divides,” he said.