Overview

• Sri Lankan lawmakers are currently debating a controversial internet safety bill that has been criticized for potentially stifling freedom of speech.
• The bill, introduced by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, aims to address online offenses such as fraud, abuse, and false statements that threaten national security.
• Opposition politicians, journalists, and rights groups argue that the bill could undermine human rights and freedom of expression, and have called for its withdrawal.
• The bill proposes the establishment of an online safety commission with broad powers to restrict free speech, including the ability to block access to accounts and remove content.
• The debate over the bill occurs as Sri Lanka is recovering from a severe economic crisis, with public dissatisfaction growing over increased electricity bills and new income taxes.