TISL express concerns on ongoing suppression of civic activism

• Published date: 06 September 2022
• Publication title: Sunday Times

Transparency International (TISL) condemned the ongoing arrests and oppression of citizens who raised their voices in peaceful protests to challenge those responsible for the country's governance. 'TISL also denounces the destruction of public property that belongs to all citizens, under any circumstance,'

Issuing a statement, the TISL observed with concern that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and provisions of other laws are being misused arbitrarily and without reasonable suspicion to arrest and question citizens who took a stand for a corruption-free country.

'Such arbitrary application of the law creates a chilling effect and discourages citizens from exercising democratic rights, leading to dire consequences for Sri Lanka. Arrests and questioning that are sanctioned only under the temporary provisions of the PTA, disregarding the constitutionally- enshrined freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly, can be viewed as a misuse of the executive and state powers that should be used for the well-being of citizens...