News

Speaker endorses certificate on Online Safety Bill

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2024

nipuni

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.

Related News :

“Online Safety Bill sends negative signal in SL’s path towards reform & recovery”

Speaker urged not to endorse Online Safety Bill without ensuring SC directives are included

Online Safety Bill passed (Update)

News

New expressway bus service from BIA to Colombo Fort

Published

17 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

editor

A new expressway bus service has been launched between the Katunayake Airport and Colombo Fort.

Previously operating from the Awariyawatte bus stand, the service began plying directly from the airport from June 05.

The bus service will operate 24/7 and the one-way fare has been set at Rs.290.

Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said the move is part of a broader effort to improve public transport for airport travelers.

Initially, private buses will be used, with luggage-friendly buses to be introduced soon. Bus staff will also receive special training to meet international service standards.

News

Proposal to set up Parliamentary Caucus on Arts & Cultural Affairs, handed over to Speaker

Published

19 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

editor

A proposal to establish a Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs in the Tenth Parliament was submitted to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne at the Parliament premises yesterday (June 04).

This proposal was submitted by National People’s Power MPs – Jagath Manuwarna and Ruwan Mapalagama.

Accordingly, this proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the next Committee on Parliamentary Business for consideration and further action.

News

Ex- SL cricketer indicted for match-fixing

Published

27 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

editor

The Attorney General has filed an indictment before the Hambantota High Court against former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachindra Madushanka Senanayake.

Senanayake faces charges of attempting to induce national cricketer Tharindu Hasanka Ratnayake into match-fixing during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) tournament in 2020.

The allegations include soliciting, inducing, or instructing the player in a manner that violates Section 5(a) of the Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019.

Senanayake is also said to have allegedly contacted two other cricketers participating in the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL) tournament in 2020 via telephone from Dubai, attempting to persuade them to engage in match-fixing. He had previously been released on bail in connection with those allegations.