10 November 2023 01:20 pm Views - 389
So what’s the most important topic in the country right now?
Why it’s the cricket, isn’t it?
It’s not the cricket.
While the country’s law-makers are busy trying to oust the Sri Lanka Cricket administration, the government is on course to pass the controversial Online Safety Bill.
Funny isn’t it, that when a bill that is stifling and is claimed to be a threat to the freedom of expression should be the country’s focus, it’s the country’s favourite sport that’s all the rage.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court determined that the Online Safety bill was not inconsistent with the Constitution and can be passed with a simple majority in parliament, given that certain provisions of the Bill are amended.
How many amendments?
31!
MP Lakshman Kirella accused the government of drafting laws in a haphazard way, which eventually leads to this many amendments.
Parliament is united in bringing down the current SLC regime, but how often do we see the same togetherness in solving the crises that affect the day to day life of the country’s citizens?
Do members of parliament truly believe the debate around cricket to be the most important topic right now?
Or is it all a ruse to hoodwink the public into passing legislation that will have a lasting impact on our ability to express ourselves?
Only time will tell.