News
PAFFREL claims Anti-Terrorism Bill, Online Safety Bill intended to ensure safety of rulers
By Rathindra Kuruwita
If the Online Safety Bill is passed, Sri Lankans will not be able to talk during a public health crisis in the future, Executive Director of People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), Rohana Hettiarachchi says.
The Anti-Terrorism Bill, and the Online Safety Bill have been proposed to ensure the safety of the rulers, he told the media on Thursday.
“We won’t be able to say there are medical shortages. We won’t be able to criticize political leaders or bureaucrats. We won’t be able to organize public protests,” he said.
The Anti-Terrorism Bill has been currently put on hold due to local and international resistance, but the government is trying to push through the Online Safety Bill, which will also have a chilling effect on the fundamental rights of the people, he said.
“Even if the government shelves the Anti-Terrorism Bill for good, it would have achieved its objectives if the Online Safety Bill is passed,” he said.
There are remarkable similarities between the two acts, Hettiarachchi said. The definitions of offenses are broad and vague, which allows the government to punish people according to its whims and fancy, he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Friday [04 Apr 25]. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
INS Sahyadri is a 143m long Frigate manned by a crew of 320 and the ship is commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar.
During their visit to the crew of INS Sahyadri will participate in events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. They will also visit several tourist hotspots across the country.
Concluding the visit, INS Sahyadri is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 07 Apr
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) BUNGO and ETAJIMA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 01 Apr 25, departed the island on Friday [04 Apr].
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the duo of ships engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Vijayabahu. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of the JMSDF ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, gaining insights into their operational capabilities.
The Commanding Officers of JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, Commander TANAKA Koji and Commander ODA Takayuki called on Commander Western Naval Area, and Director General Operations, on 01 Apr.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday (April 4) night for a three-day state visit, is currently underway at Independence Square in Colombo.
INS Sahyadri arrives at Port of Colombo
JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA depart island
Ceremonial reception for Indian PM Narendra Modi commences
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