BY- Rekha Nilukshi
The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) has called for rigorous democratic scrutiny and meaningful public consultation on the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill, warning that broadly framed security legislation could restrict democratic freedoms and undermine citizens’ fundamental rights.
In its position statement on Sri Lanka’s current political, institutional and socio-economic crisis, the party said that while the State has a legitimate responsibility to protect society from terrorism and criminal activity, such laws could be misused to suppress dissent, undermine trade union action and erode civil liberties.
The LSSP stressed that any legislation granting exceptional powers to the State must be subject to effective judicial oversight and include strong safeguards against arbitrary arrest, detention and political victimisation.
It also called for the proposed laws to respect human rights, due process, freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to peaceful protest.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, the party said the principles of equality before the law, the rule of law and respect for religious dignity must be upheld. It argued that the controversy over the removal of the monk’s robe when he was brought before court should also be examined as an institutional issue concerning prison regulations and procedures governing religious attire.
The party further warned that the controversy should not be exploited to revive racist or religious extremist tendencies or deepen divisions among communities. It said the matter should be addressed as an issue of the rule of law, administrative accountability and fundamental rights rather than being turned into an ethnic or religious confrontation.
On foreign policy, the LSSP said Sri Lanka should safeguard its national independence and economic sovereignty amid growing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean region. It called for a foreign policy guided by non-alignment, mutual respect and national interests, rather than alignment with any particular power bloc.
The party also highlighted the economic hardships faced by ordinary people, including the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, food insecurity, limited employment opportunities and deteriorating living standards.
It said the difficulties faced by educated young people in finding employment suited to their qualifications reflected a broader structural problem. The party called for economic policies that prioritise decent employment, food security, fair income distribution and stronger social protection.
The LSSP concluded that addressing the country’s political, economic and social crises would require organised political action and greater unity among left-wing forces around a common programme and shared political vision.
The statement was issued by Attorney-at-Law Kanchana Harsha Kumara, General Secretary of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party.