The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) Government is yet to decide on whether or not to support the Private Member Bill presented by New Democratic Front Opposition Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 09 of 2024 (OSA).

A gazette notification had recently been issued announcing the ‘Bill to Repeal the OSA’.

When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether the NPP would support the Bill’s passage in the Parliament, NPP General Secretary and Government MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said that the party had yet to decide on the matter. “We are currently engaged in elections-related work. We need to discuss this, but haven’t had the chance yet. We will do so in the coming days.”

The OSA, which was passed during the tenure of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in early 2024, was introduced with the aim of tackling online abuse, cyberbullying, and harmful digital content.

However, the Act drew criticism for its vague definitions and potential to restrict freedom of expression. Several parties including the NPP, which was in the Opposition at that time, opposed the Bill, claiming that it could be misused to silence dissent and control social media content critical of the Government.