The presentation of the Anti-Terrorism bill to the Parliament will have to be delayed, said the Minister of Justice, Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, at the Parliament today (28).
He continued to say that postponing the bill’s presentation indefinitely will give other parties time to convey their issues and suggestions.
The Minister stated that the draft of the Anti-Terrorism bill will be submitted to the Parliament after obtaining the opinions of all the relevant parties and making the necessary amendments.
The Minister claimed that there is a misconception among people that the Anti-Terrorism Bill is being introduced to suppress the public opposing the implementation of the proposals of the International Monetary Fund. According to the Minister, the administration won’t change any laws that might inconvenience or cause difficulties for the general public.
Regarding the bill, the Minister made the following comments:
“Anyone who has any suggestions for the bill may submit them in writing, and any party may come to meet with us to discuss the issue. The bill won’t be introduced in a hurry. I’ll give you all the time you need. Only after several rounds of such extensive discussions, asking everyone’s opinions and making the necessary amendments, this bill will be presented to the Parliament.”
