By: Staff Writer
May 21, Colombo (LNW): The government has announced plans to amend the controversial Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, a law initially passed under the previous regime despite strong opposition from civil society groups, media organizations, and opposition parties.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the move is part of broader efforts to align Sri Lanka’s legislation with European Union (EU) standards, particularly in light of the upcoming review of the country’s eligibility for the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
The EU’s GSP+ facility grants Sri Lanka preferential trade access, which is vital for sectors such as apparel and manufacturing. Losing this benefit could result in significant economic setbacks, affecting both exports and employment.
Wijepala revealed that a special committee comprising representatives from the Ministries of Public Security, Health, Media, and Justice has been tasked with drafting amendments. These ministries are expected to submit a joint Cabinet Paper outlining proposed changes to the Online Safety Act.
A monitoring delegation from the EU is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in late April 2025 to evaluate the country’s compliance with GSP+ requirements.
These include adherence to international standards on human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance. The Online Safety Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) have drawn particular concern due to their potential impact on freedom of expression.
An official from the Department of Commerce noted that EU oversight could influence domestic policies, especially legislation that affects internet freedom or privacy.
He also mentioned that new GSP+ guidelines may require signatories to ratify additional treaties, including those related to disability rights, children’s rights, and climate change.
Originally proposed by former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the Online Safety Act aimed to combat online fraud, gender-based violence, and child abuse.
However, the bill was met with fierce legal and public resistance. Over 50 petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, challenging the bill’s constitutionality.
The court ruled that several provisions required a special parliamentary majority but could be passed with a simple majority if amended at the committee stage.
Despite widespread objections, then-Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena signed the bill into law, prompting further legal action. Transparency International Sri Lanka and others filed fundamental rights petitions, claiming the enactment process violated constitutional principles.
During a court session in February 2025, Additional Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne confirmed that the current National People’s Power (NPP)-led government intends to introduce amendments. The Supreme Court, acknowledging this development, postponed the next hearing to June 23, 2025.
