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March 12 Movement issues dire warning: Online Safety Bill’s unlawful passage sparks fear of coercive govt rule and threatens democracy in Lanka
The March 12 Movement warns that rulers must understand that the silence of citizens suffering amid the escalating cost of living and unmanageable hunger does not equate to obedience but is a precursor to a major backlash against the government’s coercive rule.
In a statement signed by its co-conveners Nadishani Perera and Rohana Hettiarachchie, March 12 Movement strongly denounced the passage of the Online Safety Bill in Parliament in an unlawful manner last week, the March 12 Movement.
The statement reads: “We reiterate that the Online Safety Bill poses a grave threat to fundamental rights and democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka and regret to note that the current government’s adamant pursuit of this legislation is a clear indication of its intention to silence dissent and suppress civic activism during this critical time of economic reform and upcoming elections.
“March 12 Movement notes with grave concern that in addition to introducing an undemocratic law, the parliament outrageously acted in violation of the constitutionally guaranteed right to pre-enactment judicial review of legislation.
“Several citizens and institutions sought the intervention of the Supreme Court to assess the constitutionality of the Online Safety Bill. The Supreme Court identified specific clauses requiring amendment before the bill’s passage. However, when inquiring into the allegations that have been raised so far, it reveals that crucial amendments outlined in the court’s recommendations were overlooked during the bill’s passage.
“Concurrently, the government is pursuing further draconian laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Bill and Electronic Broadcasting Regulatory Commission Bill to silence and oppress people and dissident forces. In this distressing situation, the Online Safety Bill was debated in Parliament using standing orders and passed, potentially undermining the established Westminster-model parliamentary tradition.
“While the citizens silently suffer amidst escalating cost of living and unmanageable hunger, it is crucial for the rulers to recognize that this silence does not equate to obedience. The March 12 Movement warns that it is the precursor to a major backlash against the government’s coercive rule.
“In light of these developments, we respectfully urge the Speaker of Parliament to ensure that the amendments outlined in the Supreme Court’s judgment are fully incorporated into the Online Safety Bill. Parliament following due process when passing laws, and respecting the judiciary and the sovereignty of citizens, is essential to promote clean politics and reinforce democracy in Sri Lanka.”
With the intervention of the President’s Fund, the Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura has been completely renovated and was returned for use on Wednesday (10).
Following a request from the Home’s Board of Management, the renovation work was carried out with the technical assistance and labour support of the Sri Lanka Navy. The project included painting of dormitories and other areas, refurbishment of the kitchen and repair of electrical appliances such as non-functional ceiling fans.
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Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600 hrs on Friday [12th December 2025]
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya in the Kurunegala district, and Yatawatta, Ambanganga Korale, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Pallepola, Naula, Matale and Ukuwela in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Thalawakele, Walapane, Kothmale West, Nuwara Eliya, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kolonna, Kahawaththa and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Balangoda, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kiriella and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.
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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.
President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.
The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.
The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.
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President’s Fund supports renovation of Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
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