Justice minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has said the proposed anti-terrorism act (ATA) is a progressive and people-centric one which has been drafted with the inputs of eminent lawyers to protect the citizens of the country.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet media briefing he said clauses have been included considering similar laws in other nations.
The minister said the ATA also removes powers that have been vested with the defence minister under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
He said the bill has been proposed to safeguard the people of Sri Lanka and not in any way to empower the incumbent or future governments.
Rajapakshe said the government is open to discuss any contentious clauses and amend it accordingly.
He added the government has also granted additional time for all sectors to challenge the bill in courts.
