Category: Politics
March 12 Movement Denounces Online Safety Bill Passage, Citing Constitutional Concerns
The March 12 Movement, a civic activist group in Sri Lanka, has strongly denounced the passage of the Online Safety Bill on January 24th, 2024, which they claim was done in an unlawful manner. The group reiterates that the Online Safety Bill poses a grave threat to the fundamental rights and democratic principles enshrined in […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s Proposed Internet Law Threatens Upcoming Elections
By Meenakshi Ganguly: A repressive new internet law that Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is trying to rush through parliament this week would create broad and vague new speech-related offenses punishable by lengthy prison terms. The law would seriously threaten the right to freedom of expression as Sri Lanka prepares for parliamentary and presidential elections […]
Online Safety Bill is reminiscence of Censorship against media, civil society, says Eran
Eran Wickramarathne MP outlining the dangers of the proposed Online Safety Bill hastily proposed by the government warned that it could leave room for violating Article 12 (1) of the Constitution in different ways. This law prescribes there can be criminal liability for somebody who breaks this law. If somebody makes a false statement there […]
2023-2025 National Action Plan scheduled for Cabinet approval in February
The inaugural multi-stakeholder workshop to formulate Sri Lanka’s 3rd National Action Plan (NAP) 2023-2025 took place yesterday (10) at the Renuka Hotel, Colombo. This crucial initiative, which was initially halted in 2019 due to political challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises, has been recommenced under the directive of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, facilitated by the […]
President Commemorates Sir Arunachalam on 100th Death Anniversary
January 10, 2024 (LBO) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest at the commemoration event of the 100th death anniversary of Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam. At the event the President heralded Sir Arunachalam as a leader who championed the concept of a Ceylonese identity as opposed to today’s political rhetoric focused on division. Known as […]
Kshenuka Senewiratne presented credentials as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India
Kshenuka Senewiratne presented credentials as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, to Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 05 January 2024.
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister appoints committee for constitutional reforms
Dec 29, 2015 (LBO) Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a 24-member committee from political and civil society to obtain views on constitutional reforms from the public. The move has received approval of the Cabinet, , a statement said. The Committee comprises of leading lawyers and civil society persons and include, Faizer […]
Right to Information Bill to be presented in January
Dec 28, 2015 (LBO) – The Right to Information Bill will be presented to Parliament in January, Mass Media and Parliament Reforms Ministry Secretary Wajira Narampanawa said.This follows the government promise to strengthen the right to information during the 100-day programme, Narampanawa said according to the Department of Government Information.He said the Right to Information […]
Sentence reduced for Sri Lankan maid sentenced to death by stoning
Dec 24, 2015 (LBO) – The Government of Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced that the appeal for clemency on the sentence was successful and the Sri Lankan national will now have to serve a reduced sentence and serve a term in prison. The Appeal against the verdict of the Sri Lankan domestic worker arrested on the […]
Sri Lanka gets UK assistance for serious fraud investigations
Dec 19, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is the first country in the world that received a tailored package of training from a senior investigator of UK Serious Fraud Office, UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Laura Davies, said in a recent blog post.According to Davies the UK was one of the first to […]
‘s peace building and reconciliation efforts
Dec 15, 2015 (LBO) – The Pope commended the initiatives taken by the President towards peace building and reconciliation in the country, a statement said. “The best way to combat terrorism activities and conflicts in the world is to halt the production of military equipment,” a statement from the Presidents media office quoted the Pope […]
Prime Minister announces several budget changes
Dec 14, 2015 (LBO) – Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe told Parliament Monday that the government is ready to add 2,000 rupees monthly allowance to the basic salary of public servants from next year. Wickremasinghe said the government expects to complete adding 10,000 rupees allowance to the basic salary in three stages.“This morning several unions requested […]