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SL risks expulsion from OGP over Online Safety Bill, etc.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Sri Lanka runs the risk of being expelled from the ‘Open Government Partnership’ (OGP) over its decision to enact the controversial ‘Online Safety Bill’ (OSB) and also go ahead with another contentious piece of proposed draconian legislation, titled Anti-Terrorism Bill. Sources said it would be inevitable unless a consensus could be reached with co-convenors -Transparency International Sri Lanka and Sarvodaya Shramadama Movement (SSM) – to end their boycott formulating the third National Action Plan (NAP) meant to improve good governance and financial accountability.
The OGP includes nearly 80 countries, including the US, the UK and many of their allies.
The NAP was to be submitted to the Cabinet by President Ranil Wickremesinghe this month. The Presidential Secretariat spearheaded the effort, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary to the President, Chandima Wickramasinghe.
President Wickremesinghe recently directed the formulation of the NAP, thereby paving the way for two workshops and general agreement on the contents of the NAP.
Attorney-at-Law Nadishani Perera, Executive Director, TISL, and Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President, SSM, in a joint letter dated Feb 8, 2024, warned President Wickremesinghe of their decision to quit the project as the recent developments, such as enactment of OSB, and the proposed anti-terrorism law, were contrary to what they called fundamental principles of the IGP. They alleged the new laws undermined the core tenets of open governance, transparency and accountability thereby eroded their confidence in the overall process.
Parliament passed the OSB on January 24 following a two-day debate, with 108 government members voting for and 62 voting against. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena ratified the new law on Feb 2, regardless of Opposition protests.
On behalf of the civil society community, TISL and SSM, in their letter pointed out to the President his government enacted the new OSB, disregarding specific recommendations mandated by the Supreme Court in respect of five sections in the Bill.
Reiterating their demand to invalidate the enacted online law and anti-terrorism bill, they declared their intention to return to the process if the government took tangible measures to address their concerns. The spokespersons sought a clear commitment from President Wickremesinghe to what they called open, accountable, participatory governance in good faith and creation of an environment conducive to the exercise of civil liberties.
Political sources asserted that the NGO community could extend their protest campaign to other sectors as well. Sources said that the Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Speaker Abeywardena, has entirely validated the stand taken by the Opposition and the civil society as regards the OSB.
The Island learns that the government has written to OGP Secretariat seeking clarification as regards the TISL and SSM action, in a bid to explore ways and means of overcoming the hurdle placed by the NGO community. Sources said that Sri Lanka couldn’t thwart OGP declaring the country ‘inactive’ next month in the absence of a NAP but there was a kind of grace period of about one year to submit a plan. Failure could result in the country losing OGP membership, sources said.
In spite of entering the OGP process in 2015, Sri Lanka couldn’t achieve what it intended to as a result of the failure on the part of successive governments. The latest stalled effort is the third initiative and widely reported as President Wickremesinghe’s initiative, sources said.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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