BASL urges Govt. to withdraw proposed anti-terror and online safety laws

• Says BASL has unanimously decided that both Bills pose a threat to liberties and freedoms 
•  Stresses both Bills could have a profound impact on democracy and rule of law in SL 
•  Notes Bills have been introduced without due consultation with stakeholders including BASL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called on the Government to swiftly retract both the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Online Safety Bill. These Bills were recently published in Gazettes on 15 September and 18 September 2023, and the BASL recommends that they not be further pursued.

The organisation said during a meeting of the BASL's Bar Council held over the weekend, it was unanimously decided that both Bills pose a significant threat to the liberty and freedom of the people. Furthermore, it was expressed that these Bills could have a profound impact on democracy and the rule of law within the country.

“It is observed that both Bills have been introduced without due consultation with the stakeholders including the BASL. Further, the BASL’s observations on the previous version of the Anti-Terrorism Bill have also not been considered,” it noted. 

The BASL issued a call to the Government, urging them to engage in substantive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the BASL with the aim to address and incorporate their concerns before proceeding to Gazette certain Bills, which are deemed to have a profound impact on the broader community.