The Parliament of Sri Lanka enacted a contentious Online Safety Bill on Wednesday, a move that has drawn considerable criticism from opposition figures and numerous human rights entities for its potential to limit free expression within the nation. The bill purports to address cybercrimes such as child abuse, data theft, and online fraud, but many human rights organizations warn it endangers freedom of speech.
Introduced by President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, the Online Safety Bill’s directives apply to all Sri Lankan citizens, whether they are within the country or abroad. Nonetheless, despite significant opposition, the legislation passed with 108 votes for and 62 against.
Opposition lawmakers sternly denounced the bill during its progression through parliament. MP for Colombo Harsha de Silva articulated through X (formerly Twitter) that Wickremesinghe’s administration is “on a mission to dismantle democracy in Sri Lanka,” asserting that not only were human rights jeopardized but also the economic rights of citizens through the suggested new laws.
The bill has also evoked substantial reproach from a plethora of human rights bodies. A written request from more than 50 alliances to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security on the 19th of January called upon the government to retract the bill and foster meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including local organizations. These groups took specific issue with several provisions they argue, pose a risk to free speech and human rights.
In particular, the anticipated establishment of an Online Safety Commission, to be closely linked with the executive, is a significant concern. Numerous bodies contended that this commission could potentially cultivate problems regarding impartiality and misuse of authority. There was also prevalent concern expressed that none of the expert recommendations were taken into account, especially in matters concerning the safeguarding of women and children.
President Wickremesinghe’s administration assumed power in July 2022, succeeding a corruption scandal and prevalent protests that shook the nation. However, this government itself has subsequently faced allegations of corruption and failing to uphold judicial independence.
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