On 22nd April 2026, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) filed a Petition in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the Bill titled “Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Act”, which was published in the Gazette on 11th March 2026 and placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on 09th April 2026.
CPA’s main challenge was in relation to Clause 12 of the Bill, which expands investigative powers of law enforcement including surveillance, undercover operations, interception of communications, access to computer data, and establishment of joint investigation teams. CPA argued that this clause, is inconsistent with Articles 3, 4, 12, 13(3) and 14A(2) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. CPA further submitted that these provisions reduce the judicial power of the people, are overly broad and lack adequate safeguards, thereby undermining constitutional protections relating to equality before the law, freedom from arbitrary executive action, and the right to privacy.
Accordingly, CPA sought orders from the Supreme Court determining that the Bill, in whole or in part, cannot be enacted into law unless it was approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and, where required, by the People at a Referendum.
The matter was taken up by the Supreme Court on 28th April 2026
The Petition filed by CPA in respect of the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill can be viewed here.
The written submissions filed by CPA in respect of the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill can be viewed here.