USAID Chief expresses concerns about Online Safety Act to Ranil

USAID Administrator Samantha Power on Tuesday had spoken with President Ranil Wickemesinghe on concerns pertaining to the Online Safety Act, the US Embassy in Colombo said yesterday.

The US Embassy, in a media statement, said Powers had requested the President to address the concerns about the potential impact of the new law and status of freedom of expression and association. “Administrator Samantha Power spoke with the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe. They discussed Sri Lanka’s economic reform agenda, and Administrator Power expressed USAID’s commitment to working with President Wickremesinghe on addressing difficult economic challenges.

“Administrator Power and President Wickremesinghe discussed the importance of democratic governance and a consultative legislative process.

“Administrator Power highlighted strong U.S. support for freedom of expression and association, and encouraged President Wickremesinghe to address concerns about the potential impact of the Online Safety Act on freedom of expression, as well as investment in Sri Lanka’s vibrant digital economy.”