SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva warned the attempts by the Sri Lanka Government to regulate through Online Safety Bill might threaten the activities of international communication companies such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram leaving Sri Lanka.
The gazette announcement on the said bill has proposed the establishment of a commission in Sri Lanka to regulate international communication companies.
The MP pointed out that this violates the freedom of speech whereas people should have the basic right to express their opinions freely.
Taking to X, Dr. de Silva questioned the truth determination, “The bill establishes a commission to determine truth and falsehood. But how can we trust it when our own government has faced accusations of spreading misinformation?
Dr. de Silva further noted that the said bill lacks foresight as in a tech-driven age, Sri Lanka needs AI content moderation. Meanwhile the outdated laws hinder the country’s adaptability and growth in the digital world. “It's time to embrace progress, not stifle it,” he stressed.