Signatures calling for the repeal of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were collected in Jaffna this morning after a campaign was launched yesterday.
The campaign initiated by the Ilankai Thamilarasu Katchi Youth Wing, Justice for All and the Alliance of Trade Union & MassYouth Front organisations, demands the Sri Lankan government to repeal the notorious legislation which has been used disproportionately to detain and torture Tamils and Muslims.
The campaign was launched in Kankesanthurai, Jaffna yesterday and will travel to Hambanthota.
In a press release, the organisations noted that the PTA was brought in as a temporary measure in 1979 "to crush dissent the government of the day." To this day, the legislation continues to be in use. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka told the international community that there was a moratorium on the use of the PTA. However, in August a series of anti-government protesters were detained under the legislation.