Sri Lanka, Oct. 7 -- Publishing certain information in the media that encourages the public or a section of the public to commit an act of terrorism is tantamount to an act of terrorism under the Protection of State from Terrorism Bill presented to Parliament yesterday.

Section 9 of the Bill states that any person who, with the knowledge of directly or indirectly inducing the public or a section of the public to commit, attempt, abet, conspire to commit, or prepare to commit an offence of terrorism, publishes or causes to be published any statement, or speaks any word or words, or makes any sign or visible representation, commits an act under the Bill.

At the same time, section 11 of the Bill states that fair and accurate reporting, com...