The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) sent a letter on 2 October 2023 to Hon. Tiran Alles, Minister of Public Security containing the preliminary observations and recommendations of the HRCSL on the Online Safety Bill published in the Official Gazette on 18 September 2023.

The HRCSL acknowledges that making online spaces in Sri Lanka safer for its citizens is a valuable legislative objective. However, the HRCSL is of the opinion that strengthening the institutional capacity of law enforcement authorities to interpret and apply the existing criminal law in good faith should precede any proposals to introduce new legislation with criminal offences pertaining to online activity.

Download:

HRCSL Press Notice 02 10 2023.docx

HRCSL Preliminary Observation and Recommendation on the Online Safety Bill