CPA challenges Sri Lanka's Online Safety Bill

by Staff Writer 12-10-2023 | 3:20 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Centre for Policy Alternatives filed a Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the controversial "Online Safety" Bill.

The Centre for Policy Alternatives, along with its Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, filed a Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the controversial "Online Safety" Bill.

This Bill, which was gazetted on September 15, 2023, and tabled in Parliament for its first reading on October 3, has been a subject of contention and concern among civil society organizations and legal experts.

The crux of CPA's legal challenge hinges on the assertion that the Bill, in its entirety, violates several articles of the Sri Lankan Constitution, including entrenched provisions.

CPA contends that such a Bill would require approval by the people through a referendum, in addition to being passed by two-thirds of the Members of Parliament voting in favor of it.

CPA's petition further underscores the concern that the vaguely defined offenses outlined in the Bill, coupled with the extensive powers granted to the "Online Safety Commission," could have a chilling effect on the exercise of fundamental rights by the citizens of Sri Lanka.