– Speaking out about cancer drug shortages, substandard medicines and corruption in the health sector could be interpreted as terrorist activity under proposed legislation, while professional bodies such as the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) could also risk being labelled terrorist organizations, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has warned.Dr. Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, made these remarks at a media briefing organized by the National Professional and Civil Front.He expressed concern over ambiguities in the newly introduced Organized Crime Prevention Act and the proposed State Terrorism Protection Act, arguing that the provisions could give law enforcement authorities excessive discretion in determining what constitutes an offence.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, raising concerns about medicine shortages, substandard drugs, problems faced by cancer patients, corruption, fraud and irregularities in the health sector could potentially expose medical professionals, trade union leaders and civil society activists to arrest and detention.He warned that the proposed legal framework could be used to suppress individuals and organizations that expose shortcomings in public services, particularly in the health and education sectors.

Referring to his previous campaigns against alleged irregularities in the health sector, Dr. Sanjeewa said that he and other trade union leaders had been able to stage public protests and raise concerns against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and officials of the Health Ministry.Had similar legal provisions been in force at the time, he suggested, such protests might have been treated as terrorist activities, potentially preventing those involved from exposing alleged wrongdoing.Dr. Sanjeewa further warned that professional and civil society organizations, including the GMOA and the IUSF, could face the risk of being labelled terrorist organizations if the ambiguities in the proposed laws were not addressed.He pointed out that people, particularly young people, in several countries were protesting against governments over economic difficulties and crises in education and healthcare. Such demonstrations should not automatically be classified as terrorism, he argued.

The doctor also cautioned that the proposed legislation could extend beyond political parties and be used to restrict the activities of professional associations, civil society groups and religious organizations.He further raised concerns that individuals who post on social media about problems affecting them or their communities could potentially face action under the proposed legal framework.

Describing the potential consequences as a threat to fundamental rights, Dr. Sanjeewa urged the public to pay close attention to the proposed legislation and its possible implications for freedom of expression, peaceful protest and the activities of independent organizations.His remarks come amid concerns over the scope of the proposed laws and the potential balance between national security measures and the protection of civil liberties.