Due to the opposition expressed to the draft, president Maithripala Sirisena instructed its content be studied further.

Raising objections, Champika Ranawaka said its definition (s) of terrorism and terrorist acts were inadequate.

Additional solicitor general Yasantha Kodagoda led the formulation of the draft Act, also with the participation of the defence, law and order, justice and foreign secretaries, commanders of the armed forces, IGP and state intelligence chiefs, and suggestions were also obtained from the JVP and the TNA.

The cabinet also refused to accept the amendments introduced to it by lawyer Suren Fernando, son of former chief justice Mark Fernando, and who is actively involved in the formulation of a new constitution as an official loyal to PM Wickremesinghe.

Given below is the draft submitted to the cabinet: