Symbolic photo.
Colombo: The Parliament of Sri Lanka has enacted a controversial online security bill, which has created an uproar. The opposition is heavily criticizing the government in this matter. The government has also become uncomfortable with this. Let us tell you that the Sri Lankan government on Thursday approved a controversial bill to regulate online content, while the opposition has criticized it, claiming that it will violate freedom of expression.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena certified the bill by signing it, Parliament’s communications office said in a release. Despite calls, both internationally and locally, for the bill not to be certified, the Speaker signed it. Parliament had approved the bill with amendments last week. The new law will establish an Online Safety Commission which will be given powers to take punitive decisions on crimes. If found guilty of making false statements on online forums, there is a provision of a maximum imprisonment of five years or a fine of not more than five lakh Sri Lankan rupees.
The opposition made this allegation
This bill has been strongly criticized and has been described as an attack on freedom of expression. The opposition, citing the Asian Internet Alliance (AIC), argued that the bill would hinder efforts to invite foreign investment. The opposition also promised to repeal it if voted to power. AIC had said that the proposed law presents major challenges which, if not resolved, could impact the potential growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka had ruled to amend at least 31 of the total 57 provisions of the bill. (Language)
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