The government has announced intentions to amend the Online Safety Bill, as stated by Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that amendments will be considered once a new Parliament is in place. The government is committed to engaging in discussions to evaluate whether changes to the existing bill or the introduction of a new one is necessary.
Originally published in the Sri Lankan Government Gazette in September 2023, the Online Safety Bill was passed in January 2024 with majority support from MPs. However, the Opposition raised concerns that proposed amendments did not align with Supreme Court rulings. The Supreme Court subsequently determined that several provisions of the bill were unconstitutional.
In response, the government has agreed to revise the bill to comply with the Supreme Court’s November 2023 determinations. The key objectives of the Online Safety Bill include establishing the Online Safety Commission, regulating online communications, preventing misuse of online accounts, and addressing the financing of false information dissemination. The upcoming amendments aim to ensure the bill’s alignment with constitutional mandates and public safety standards.
