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Proposed Online Safety Bill an assault on freedom of expression – ICJ

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The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) states it is concerned that the newly proposed Online Safety legislation, if adopted in its present form, would serve to crush free expression and further contract an already shrinking civic space in Sri Lanka.

On 18 September 2023, the Ministry of Public Security gazetted a bill titled “Online Safety” intended to dramatically regulate the content of online communication, including by the general public.

Issuing a statement, the ICJ says it considers that several provisions of the bill would serve to undermine the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country, including freedom of information and expression.  Of particular concern are provisions related to the setting up, appointment and functions of an Online Safety Commission and other experts, the vague and overbroad wording of conduct designated as punishable offences and unnecessary and disproportionate punitive sanctions.

“While the spread of online hate-speech and disinformation need to be tackled, this bill is deeply flawed in its design and would be open to abuse by the Sri Lankan government, which has persistenty failed to uphold freedom of expression,” said Ian Seiderman, ICJ’s Legal and Policy Director. “It risks being used to suppress important public debate regarding the conduct of the government and matters of public policy,” he added.

The Bill would establish an “Online Safety Commission” that would act to: “prohibit online communication of certain statements of fact; prevent the use of online accounts and inauthentic online accounts for prohibited purposes;  make provisions to identify and declare online locations used for prohibited purposes in Sri Lanka and to suppress the financing and other support of communication of false statements,” as well as other unspecified matters.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and for the adoption of a process of meaningful consultations with all relevant stakeholders prior to gazetting bills which ‘have a serious impact on the community at large.’

“The current draft fails to adhere to the principles of legitimacy, necessity and proportionality required for any State activity that restrict rights. It must be withdrawn or amended to be brought in line with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations guaranteeing freedom of expression, opinion, and information.” Seiderman added.

The ICJ considers that the Bill should not be evaluated in a vacuum, but instead must be read in conjunction with existing and proposed legislation that threaten human rights. Such laws include the extremely misused ICCPR Act of 2005, the Prevention of Terorrism Act (PTA), the Bureau of Rehabilitation Act, and the proposed Anti-Terrorism law which seeks to replace the PTA. This body of legislation, taken together, fosters a chilling effect on the exercise of fundamental freedoms restricting civil society while unduly expanding the reach of the security state.

Article 14 (1) (a) of the Sri Lankan Constitution gurantees the freedom of speech and expression. Article 19 of the International Covernant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Sri Lanka is a party, affirms the right to freedom of expression and opinion.

In July 2018, the UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus a resolution  affirming that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice, in accordance with articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”



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Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030 launched

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The launch of the five-year renewable energy development plan, ” Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030″, presented by the Ministry of Energy, was held on February 27 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The plan outlines key strategies for identifying and implementing renewable energy methods and digital innovations, ensuring their efficient and environmentally sustainable use. It also highlights the economic benefits of renewable energy and its potential to strengthen the country’s financial stability.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“It is a pleasure to address you on this significant occasion of launching the Action Plan on Renewable Energy Management. We are not just here to launch this project; we are here to transform our country into an energy powerhouse for the future. The Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have taken the lead in steering Sri Lanka towards sustainable energy solutions.

I am pleased that the Ministry of Energy has introduced a valuable five-year action plan, the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030. This initiative will promote sustainable energy consumption, identify renewable energy sources, and provide a comprehensive understanding of energy conservation and storage methods.

The primary objective of this plan is to reduce electricity demand and lower the initial cost of electricity in Sri Lanka by identifying and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Our goal is to expand renewable energy production over the next five years and provide affordable electricity to all Sri Lankans.

We aim to reform our energy acts in three key areas. First, we will ensure the provision of affordable and reliable energy through renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower while minimizing carbon emissions. Second, we will focus on educating the public on the significance of renewable energy and digital technologies and their role in accessing modern and reliable energy. Third, we will introduce advanced energy conversion methods to modernize the energy sector, aligning Sri Lanka with global advancements in the field.

This is not just a plan; it is a roadmap for the next five years. It encompasses various aspects, including the identification and development of energy sources, public awareness initiatives, implementation timelines, allocated funding, and necessary legal frameworks.

To ensure the success of this project, it is essential to leverage both local and international partnerships. Let us work together to meet the energy needs of all Sri Lankans using renewable energy solutions.”

The event was attended by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Ministers Eranga Weeraratne and Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor Udayanga Hemapala, and Chairman of the Electricity Board Dr. Thilak Siyambalapitiya.

[Prime Minister’s Media division]

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Matara MC orders arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon

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The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and seven others said to be responsible for the shooting incident that took place in front of the W15 Hotel in Weligama, Matara on December 31, 2023.

 

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The responsibility of revitalizing both the economy and the fractured social fabric falls on everyone – President

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake directed the District Secretaries to allocate Rs. 1,400 billion in recurrent expenditure for the implementation of productive projects at the grassroots level over the next eight months.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held with the District Secretaries, on Thursday (27) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The President also emphasized that by developing the rural economy, the country’s economic growth could be elevated by 3% to 4%. He stressed the need to enhance existing economic opportunities and identify new sources of growth during the expansion of the economy to rural areas.

The pension schemes proposed in the 2025 budget were also deliberated upon during this meeting.

Moreover, the President pointed out that there is a prevailing negative perception of the public sector and that inefficiency within government services has contributed to this situation. He underscored the necessity of creating satisfied and effective government officials, and emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of public services.

Currently, 30,000 vacancies have been identified within the public service, and the President stated that the government plans to recruit for these positions in categories, which would complete the mid-level staffing of the public service.

The President emphasized that development is not limited to constructing buildings and bridges but also involves uplifting the fractured social structure, a responsibility that primarily lies with the District Secretaries.

Additionally, the District Secretaries raised issues specific to their districts, which were brought to the President’s attention, and extensive discussions were held on possible solutions and proposals.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abeyratne; Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Aloka Bandara, as well as the District Secretaries.

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