Online Safety Bill will drive away FB, Google, Instagram from SL: Harsha

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

The Online Safety Bill which was gazetted on Monday night is a draconian piece of legislation that will drive international IT giants such as Facebook, Google and Instagram away from Sri Lanka, SJB MP Harsha de Silva informed the House yesterday.  

“As per this gazette, the President is to appoint a commission to determine what is the truth and what is not the truth. This violates the freedom of speech and freedom of thought. You will never get investors if this law is enacted and implemented,” the MP said.  

“Do you think companies such as Google, Facebook or Instagram will welcome this law?” the MP questioned.   

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Tiran Allas assured that he would provide a detailed explanation on the proposed Online Safety Bill in Parliament shortly, as Opposition MPs critised the legislation.   

He was referring to Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa and Harsha de Silva who criticised the Bill.   

Mr. Premadasa requested the government to cancel the gazette notification forthwith.