News

Kavinda apologizes for voting against Online Safety Bill

Published

12 months ago

July 13, 2024

editor

SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardena expressed regret and apologized for voting against the Online Safety Bill in alignment with the party’s decision.

“I am truly sorry for my previous actions regarding the online safety bill that was presented to Parliament. I initially believed it was important, but we were presented with the picture of a demon,” he told parliament.

The MP said that recently, he tried to file a complaint about a defamatory post on Facebook and consulted a senior official of the Criminal Investigation Department.

When I asked if he could file the complaint under the online safety bill, the official assured that he could, and also pointed out that the MP had opposed this bill.

“Honorable Chairman, I felt ashamed. At the time, it was portrayed to us that the online safety bill would strip away democratic rights, hinder political activities, and imprison us for our statements. However, the officer explained the committee has not been formed,” said Jayawardena.

He also requested the government to immediately appoint the committee for the online safety bill.

“It’s essential to create the necessary framework for law enforcement agencies to act against those who spread falsehoods through social media. I apologize for voting against the online safety bill. We were compelled to do so based on our party’s directive,” he added.

(newsfirst.lk)
(This story, originally published by newsfirst.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,

News

Seat belt compulsory for bus drivers from today

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that starting today (July 01), it will be mandatory for all bus drivers to wear seat belts, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Under the MotorTraffic Act, bus drivers are legally required to wear seat belts, but a rise in accidents due to drivers ignoring this rule has prompted the authorities to re-enforce it.

Police confirmed that action will be taken against drivers who fail to comply.

Seat belts to be made mandatory for all passengers in expressways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has also stated that wearing seat belts will be made mandatory to all passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from August 01, 2025.

Meanwhile, wearing seat belts will also be mandatory to all passengers of all vehicles on expressways from September 01, 2025.

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also confirmed the directive while speaking to media this morning (July 01) during an inspection tour at the Colombo Central Bus Stand.