Cardinal expresses dismay over the Online Safety Bill

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Online Safety Act by the Sri Lanka Government will limit the people's right to expression, and search for the truth, said His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo.

He called for such efforts that would carry the country towards a dictatorship to be defeated.

"What this country needs is a change in vision. This country needs a legal transformation where all religions and communities will be treated equally," he said while speaking at an event in Colombo.

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith called for the creation of a new country where all of Sri Lanka's resources will be protected while breaking from any foreign allegiances, thus making the country self-sufficient with an economy that will provide benefits to all the people. 

"The time is now to reject the traditional way of politics that had governed this country thus far," he said, noting that nepotism must be eliminated from the country.

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith also stressed that the time is now to do away with the oppressive political leadership, and install a leadership that loves the country.

"There are some newspapers, television stations, and radio stations, that are somewhat connected or loyal to certain political groups, and have worked to mislead the masses," he added.

The Archbishop of Colombo went on to note that given the situation, the people mainly use social media to express their views, and the government, citing social media regulation, is trying to limit the people's right to expression, and their right to search for the truth.