Sri Lanka Passes Controversial Online Safety Bill Amidst Economic Turmoil

Sri Lanka's parliament has passed a contentious internet regulation bill, sparking concerns over freedom of speech in a crucial election year. Amidst an ongoing economic crisis, the Online Safety bill, approved overwhelmingly on Wednesday, grants the government sweeping authority to regulate online content.

The bill, introduced by President Ranil Wickremesinghe's government, enables the creation of a commission with powers to order the removal of online posts categorized as "prohibited statements." It also allows legal action against individuals who publish such content. The ruling coalition, holding a majority in the 225-member house, facilitated the bill's passage, despite opposition from 62 lawmakers who criticized it for potentially creating an oppressive environment.

Human Rights Watch and other media, internet, and civil rights groups have vehemently opposed the bill, warning that it could undermine fundamental freedoms. The Asia Internet Coalition, representing tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Yahoo, expressed concerns about the bill's detrimental impact on Sri Lanka’s digital economy and foreign investment.

Kalum Shivantha, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Professional Web Journalists Association, feared the bill could lead to self-censorship and the shutdown of news websites. However, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles defended the bill, arguing it addresses issues like online fraud, abuse, and threats to national security, citing over 8,000 complaints of online crimes last year.

Sri Lanka's approval of this bill comes as the country still grapples with its worst economic crisis, leading to a $2.9 billion IMF bailout after declaring bankruptcy in 2022. The crisis, which resulted in severe shortages and public protests leading to the ouster of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has seen some improvement under Wickremesinghe's presidency. However, the government's tax increases and energy bill hikes have fueled public discontent.

As Sri Lanka heads towards its presidential election later this year, rights groups have accused Wickremesinghe's administration of stifling dissent, citing crackdowns on protests and the arrest of activists. The new Online Safety bill adds another layer of concern regarding the country's commitment to free speech and democratic principles during these challenging times.