US conveys concerns on Online Safety Act to Wickremesinghe

The United States this week personally conveyed concerns on the controversial Online Safety Act to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The US sentiment was expressed by USAID Administrator Samantha Power over a telephone conversation. 

“Administrator Power highlighted strong US support for freedom of expression and association and encouraged President Wickremesinghe to address concerns about the potential impact of the Online Safety Act on freedom of expression, as well as investment in Sri Lanka’s vibrant digital economy,” said a statement from the USAID.

It said Power and Wickremesinghe also discussed Sri Lanka’s economic reform agenda. “Administrator Power expressed USAID’s commitment to working with President Wickremesinghe on addressing difficult economic challenges. Administrator Power and President Wickremesinghe discussed the importance of democratic governance and a consultative legislative process,” the USAID statement added.