Govt. to consult public before proceeding with proposed anti-terrorism, organised crime Bills: President

 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Government will not proceed with the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill without first consulting the public and relevant stakeholders.

Addressing the National Trade Union Conference today (7), the President said the decision had been reached during a discussion held earlier in the morning.

He said the Government would hold discussions with all concerned parties, including civil society organisations that had raised concerns over the proposed legislation, with the aim of reaching a broad consensus before proceeding with the Bills.

President Dissanayake also stressed that his Government had no intention of using laws and regulations to retain power.

“We are not a government that stays in power through laws and regulations,” he said.

He further stated that his administration would respect the democratic will of the people and would be prepared to step down if voters decided to remove it from office through an election.