Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has labeled the newly Gazetted Online Safety Bill as a draconian legislation, warning that it might drive major international IT companies like Facebook, Google, and Instagram away from Sri Lanka.
He criticised the bill for allowing the President to appoint a commission to determine the truth, arguing that it infringes upon freedom of speech and thought amongst the general public in Sri Lanka.
The Online Safety Bill was gazetted today post cabinet approval, and the gazette notification was issued by the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Additionally, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa condemned the Online Safety Bill, adding that such could be an attempt to stifle democratic dissent, as online platforms have been crucial for citizen organisation.
- to suppress the financing and other su
