Personal Data Protection Bill gets parliamentary approval

The Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in Parliament yesterday with amendments.

The SJB said it was opposed to the Bill but did not call for a vote.

Digital Technology and Enterprise Development State Minister Namal Rajapska who spoke during the debate on the Bill said that the legislation would not affect media freedom nor undermine the Right to Information Act.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said the SJB is opposed to the Bill as the Government has failed to discuss it with relevant stakeholders.

SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake said the SJB had called for a postponement of the debate but this had been turned down by the Government.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) are among organisations that called for the postponement of the debate on the Bill saying it should not be passed until serious concerns are addressed.