A series of protest campaigns and signature drives were being carried out across the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka, calling for the repeal of the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act and the withdrawal of proposed legislation intended to replace it.
As part of this initiative, an online signature campaign in the Northern region was launched on February 16 by Rev. Fr. Jebaratnam the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese.
The event was attended by the head of the Nallur Sivaguru Adheenam, Thavathiru Velan Swami, the Coordinator of the Voice of the Voiceless organization, Mr. Murugaiya Gomagan, along with several Catholic clergy.
Speaking to the media, the Vicar General stated that the current Prevention of Terrorism Act is unnecessary and that the proposed legislation is likewise not needed.
He noted that the law, which has been in force for many years, has caused immeasurable suffering to the Tamil people, bringing hardship, pain, and loss to many lives.
He further pointed out that despite repeated appeals to the government to repeal the existing law; efforts are now underway to introduce new legislation of a similar nature. He warned that such measures could compel Tamil people to continue living in fear and uncertainty.
Rev. Fr. Jebaratnam urged the government to create conditions that allow people to live peacefully, without fear, and in freedom by abolishing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and refraining from introducing any similar legislation.
The signature campaign was first launched in the Trincomalee District on February 14 and concluded on February 25.
The collected signatures are to be submitted to the Ministry of Justice of Sri Lanka, with copies to be forwarded to the United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations Human Rights Council High Commissioner, the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, and other diplomatic representatives.
