Opposition files FR against Online Safety Bill

A group of opposition MPs filed yet another Fundamental Rights petition challenging the contentious Online Safety Bill yesterday.

The petition was jointly filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Former Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council Rehan Jayawickrama and Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) member Prof. G.L Peiris. 

The petitioners claim that certain provisions of the Bill relating to the appointment of a commission by the President violate the fundamental rights of the people. 

They also contended that this provision would permit the arbitrary exercise of executive powers and empower the commission to conduct investigations outside the judicial process.

They requested the court to order that, for the bill to be enacted, it must secure approval with a two-thirds majority in parliament and be subjected to a referendum. 

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) also filed a similar petition before the Supreme Court yesterday. 

SLWJA President Duminda Sampath, former President and Committee member Lasantha Ruhunage, and Treasurer T. Nadarasa filed the petition on behalf of the organisation. The petition has named the Attorney General as the respondent. 

Various other groups, including political parties, civil society organisations, and media trade unions, are anticipated to submit petitions against the Bill in the coming days.