The National People’s Power (NPP) government has reportedly decided to temporarily withdraw three major legislative drafts that it planned to present to Parliament, following strong public opposition.
One of the proposed amendments, introduced by Child and Women’s Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paul Raj on September 24th, sought to prohibit physical and mental abuse, neglect, and punishment against children. This bill faced fierce resistance from various groups, including teacher unions and the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy). Consequently, the Minister announced that amendments could be submitted, and the passage of the bill has been temporarily postponed.
Furthermore, the government had intended to amend Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, which criminalize homosexuality, as a promised policy reform. However, strong criticism from the clergy, including His Eminence the Cardinal, led to the temporary deferral of these amendments. Member of Parliament Premnath C. Dolawatte had also submitted a private member’s motion to remove these sections of the Penal Code, and a related Supreme Court order has been communicated to the Speaker. Significantly, further action on this matter falls under the purview of Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.
The third significant piece of legislation mentioned in the current government’s policy statement is the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Despite promises from the Foreign Affairs and Justice Ministers, both nationally and internationally, to complete this by September 28th, and plans to present it before the Geneva Human Rights Commission session, this commitment was not fulfilled. The Justice Minister later stated that it would be finalized by October 28th, but that task has also been postponed indefinitely.
