Sri Lanka opposition promises to repeal planned online speech law
COLOMBO – The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) will repeal the Online Safety Bill and introduce a new one if it comes to power, opposition MP Harsha de Silva said.
Noting the party’s strong opposition to the government’s move to enact the Online Safety Bill, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter “If passed, I pledge that a future SJB-led Govt will swiftly repeal controversial bill. We won’t jeopardize ties with major platforms like Meta, Google, and YouTube, essential for #lka economic growth.”
He also said his party was committed to true Online Safety and would introduce a new law addressing issues like child porn and other serious online crimes with the collaboration of major platforms. “It’s crucial for the well-being of Sri Lankan society. Let’s prioritize effective solutions over hasty decisions,” he said.
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court determined that the controversial ‘Online Safety Bill’ is not inconsistent with the constitution and can be passed in Parliament by a simple majority subject to amendments made to 31 of its provisions.
Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles is set to be submitted to Parliament in January amidst strong opposition from several groups and organizations including international organizations and embassies, who fear it would impinge on freedom of expression and other rights.
More than 50 individuals and organizations petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the bill when it was submitted to Parliament last year. The court ruled that the bill could be passed with a simple majority in Parliament if 31 of its clauses were amended.
It is not known whether the court-directed amendments have be included in the bill set to be submitted in Parliament next week.
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