Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana today (01) endorsed the certificate on the Online Safety Bill which was passed in Parliament with amendments following the two-day debate held on 23rd and 24th January 2024.
Accordingly, the said Bill will come into effect as the Online Safety Act No.9 of 2024.
However, MP Sumanthiran had urged the Speaker not to sign the Online Safety Act until it can be confirmed that the amendments have been made.
In addition, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Julie Chung had also said that When major global tech companies characterize the bill as “unworkable” and stifling innovation and democracy, instead of actually addressing online crimes, it sends a negative signal in Sri Lanka’s path towards reform and recovery. In addition to the Online Safety Bill, the Speaker had endorsed the certificate on National Hydrographic Bill passed on January 9th with amendments and the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Bill passed on January 10th with amendments.
Accordingly, the said Bills will come into effect as the National Hydrographic Act No.7 of 2024 and the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No.8 of 2024.