Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) expressed its strong disapproval regarding the Sri Lankan government's passage of the Online Safety Act, despite it lacking crucial amendments mandated by the Supreme Court.
"We are appalled by the outrageous conduct of the Government, Parliament, Attorney General and the Speaker in signing off on a version of the Online Safety Act that does not contain several of the amendments required by the Supreme Court in its determination on the bill," declared TISL. "This is a blatant violation of the Constitutional safeguard provided for citizens to seek the redress of the court against the attempts of the legislature to impose unconstitutional laws."
The Supreme Court previously identified specific provisions within the Online Safety Act that raised concerns about potential infringements on freedom of expression and due process. The amendments it suggested aimed to address these concerns and ensure alignment with Sri Lanka's constitutional framework.
However, the approved version of the Act reportedly bypasses several of these critical amendments, prompting outrage from TISL and raising concerns about the government's disregard for judicial pronouncements.
"This is a blatant violation of the Constitutional safeguard provided for citizens to seek the redress of the court against the attempts of the legislature to impose unconstitutional laws."
TISL urged the government to take immediate corrective action by incorporating the Supreme Court-mandated amendments into the Online Safety Act.