Sri Lanka unions protest bills expanding police powers and warn of abuses

Toronto Star · Bharatha Mallawarachi The Associated Press · 2026-11-06 13:40 UTC

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Trade unions and political activists rallied in Sri Lanka’s capital on Friday against anti-terrorism and anti-crime bills, saying they would give sweeping powers to law enforcement authorities and could lead to abuses.

Trade union members representing opposition political parties protest against a proposed anti-terrorism law in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Trade union members representing opposition political parties protest against a proposed anti-terrorism law in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Trade union members representing opposition political parties protest against a proposed anti-terrorism law in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

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