Report in The Island, Oct 5, 2023
The General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, SJB’s Rehan Jayawickrema, and Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa (SLPP rebel group) representative Prof. G.L. Peiris, MP, filed a joint petition yesterday (04) against the Online Safety Bill.
They named the Attorney General as respondent.
The petitioners HAVE pointed out that the Bill published in the government Gazette on 18 September and presented to Parliament on Tuesday (03), violated the fundamental rights of the people. They have voiced concerns about the Bill empowering the Online Safety Commission to determine the rights of the citizens and issue directives on persons without a hearing.
The petitioners have sought a Supreme Court order declaring that the Online Safety Bill be passed with a special majority of the Parliament and approved by the people at a referendum.
On Tuesday, social activist and journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara filed a petition against the Online Safety Bill, alleging that certain provisions do not comply with the Constitution.https://island.lk/sjb-and-slpp-move-sc-against-online-safety-bill/
