Sri Lanka Defends Online Safety Law, Says It Protects Freedom, Not Stifles It

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Cabinet Spokesperson & Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena addressed concerns regarding the proposed country's Online Safety law, emphasizing they are not intended to curtail freedom of expression but rather prevent harmful content.

He also addressed concerns raised by the United States regarding the legislation, and emphasized that Sri Lanka is "an independent country with sovereignty and territorial integrity," and reiterated the parliament's right to enact legislation.

He emphasized that the government's intention is not to "control the media or social networks," but rather to prevent ethnic and religious conflict, and protect individuals from harmful content such as "false and hateful statements, sexual abuse, and information that could lead to loss of children, families, and places of worship."