The SC declined to hear petitions challenging the Anti-Terrorism Bill since it has not been presented to Parliament.

The Supreme Court today decided not to proceed with the Special Determination petitions filed challenging the constitutionality of the anti-terrorism bill since the bill has not been tabled in Parliament as yet.

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya announced that the Supreme Court is not in a position to proceed with these petitions since the bill has not been presented to Parliament as announced by the Speaker. However, the Chief Justice observed that the bill could be challenged in the Supreme Court soon after it was tabled in Parliament.

Several petitioners, including National People’s Power (NPP) parliamentarians Vijitha Herath and Harini Amarasuriya, had filed petitions in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the bill requires the approval of the people at a referendum in addition to the 2/3 approval of the Parliament.

The Anti-Terrorism Bill was published in the Gazette on September 15, 2023.

President’s Counsel Nigel Hatch appeared for the petitioners. Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.