We have carefully considered the Emergency (Prevention of Terrorism and Specified Terrorist Activities) Regulations No. 07 of 2006 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 1474/5 of 6th December 2006 and are gravely concerned about its potential for adverse interpretation and application.

The definition given to ‘terrorism’ in the Regulations is very broad and vague and consequently could lead to the suppression of legitimate activities and even democratic dissent. We are particularly conscious of our recent history, wherein such wide and sweeping powers gave rise to serious and widespread abuse, political victimization and the suppression of fundamental freedoms. The definition given to ‘specified terrorist activity’, amongst others, includes all offences specified in the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979. This has naturally raised the concerns of all who are aware of the draconian provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979, that those provisions are now being sought to be implemented by means of these Regulations, although the Government had steadfastly announced that the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979 will not be re-implemented.

We are particularly alarmed by the offences prescribed in Sections 8 and 9 of the Regulations, which carry severe penal sanctions and blanket immunity afforded to persons taking action(s) on the strength of these Regulations. Section 8 makes any transaction whatsoever with even an associate of a person who acts in contravention of Sections 6 and 7 an offence and Section 9 prohibits dissemination of any information which could in the opinion of a Government functionary be considered prejudicial to national security. We have serious reservations about the necessity to obtain the written approval of the Competent Authority to exercise our social and humanitarian responsibilities.

As Churches with a religious foundation and vision we are required to fulfill the mandate given by God to serve all people and eliminate suffering, poverty, need, destitution, exploitation, deprivation and affliction regardless of race, caste or creed. We appeal to the President to take urgent steps to prevent the operation of these Regulations in the present form.

Signed on behalf of:

The Churches-

Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya
Dutch reformed Church
Diocese of Kurunegala
Diocese of Colombo
Methodist Church
Presbyterian Church
Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India
The Salvation Army

The Ecuminical Organizations-

Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
Ceylon Bible Society (CBS)
Christian Literature Society (CLS)
Student Christian movement (SCM)

Rev. Dr. Jayasiri T. Peiris

General Secretary

National Christian Council of Sri Lanka

Source: NCC
Date: 11 January 2007