President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Saturday (7 November) that the Government would consult organisations representing the public before seeking parliamentary approval for two bills that have sparked controversy.
The bills are the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill.
Speaking at the National Trade Union Convention at the P. D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatta, Dissanayake said the Government had pledged to tackle organised crime and was prepared to introduce new laws if existing legislation proved insufficient.
He said the Government was prepared to amend any provisions that would infringe on citizens’ human rights or fundamental rights.
Dissanayake said the bills were under judicial review and that the Government would consider amendments proposed by the Supreme Court and changes put forward by civil society groups before seeking parliamentary approval.
He said the Government was in no rush to pass the bills and stressed that laws made for the public required public support.
