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CPA challenges constitutionality of controversial “Online Safety” Bill in SC
The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) last Wednesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the contentious “Online Safety” Bill. Led by its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, CPA expressed deep concerns over this Bill, which was gazetted on September 15, 2023, and subsequently presented in Parliament for its first reading on October 3.
In its Petition, CPA argues that the Bill, in its entirety, contravenes multiple articles of the Constitution, including entrenched provisions. As a result, CPA contends that the Bill should not only secure the approval of two-thirds of Members of Parliament but also be subjected to a referendum to be approved by the people.
One of the primary concerns raised by CPA pertains to the vague and overly broad offenses outlined in the Bill, as well as the extensive powers bestowed upon the “Online Safety Commission.” CPA fears that these provisions could significantly curtail the exercise of Fundamental Rights by the citizens of Sri Lanka.
The Petition specifically challenges various aspects of the Online Safety Bill that are perceived to violate Constitutional articles, including but not limited to:The ambiguity surrounding the Bill’s objectives, particularly the Online Safety Commission’s authority to “protect” individuals against the harm caused by “alarming or distressing statements.”
The overly broad and unconstitutional nature of the enumerated “prohibited statements” in the Bill.
The arbitrary and unreasonable powers granted to the Online Safety Commission, including the exercise of judicial authority, which conflicts with Constitutional principles.
The discretionary authority granted to the Minister to appoint private individuals as “experts,” who are subsequently endowed with extensive powers impacting citizens’ liberties, with no oversight or accountability.
The questionable ability of the Online Safety Commission and the Minister to establish rules and regulations on ‘Online Safety,’ due to the imprecise and inadequate criteria within the relevant clauses.
CPA and its Executive Director assert that the Online Safety Bill’s provisions are inconsistent with various key articles of the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka, including Articles 3, 4(c), 10, 12, 14(1)(a),(b),(c),(e),(f), and (g), as well as 14A(2). Therefore, they maintain that the Bill cannot become law without the approval of both a referendum and a two-thirds vote of all Members of Parliament. The legal challenge to the Bill sets the stage for a critical debate over its constitutionality and potential impact on fundamental rights in Sri Lanka.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
