Sri Lanka, Oct. 2 -- The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called for a narrower definition of terrorism, judicial oversight of detention, meaningful judicial authority to grant bail, prompt access to legal counsel, access to legal representation before statements are made to a Magistrate, and strengthened independence of the proposed Independent Review Committee.

The Commission through its observations to the Justice and National Integration Minister on the draft Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill published by the Justice Ministry stressed the need to ensure that any laws addressing terrorism is consistent with fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Sri Lanka's international human rights obligatio...