OSB: Opposition Leader accuses Speaker of dereliction of duty

By Saman Indrajith

Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa on Thursday (08) accused Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena of violating the Constitution by hastening the passage of the Online Safety Bill (OSB)

Raising concerns over the manner of passing the Online Safety Act, Premadasa pointed out nine of its clauses are allegedly not in line with the determination given by the Supreme Court.Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that no part of a passed Act can be altered.

During a heated exchange that ensued in Parliament on Thursday, Opposition Leader Premadasa accused the government of ignoring the court’s recommendations on several key clauses of the Bill, including those pertaining to revoking internet access and addressing contempt of court.

Premadasa pointed out that the court had emphasised on the need for due process and magisterial oversight, both of which he claims are absent in the legislation that has been passed.

The Speaker defending the process of passing the Bill said that both sides need to agree for a vote to take place.He denied any personal involvement in the amendments, claiming he merely “mentioned names.”

Premadasa accused the Speaker of dereliction of his duty and a violation of the Constitution.He demanded a special party leaders meeting to address the concerns raised by the Opposition.

Minister Rajapakshe acknowledged the presence of “shortcomings” which he said were not significant.The Minister said that the government was open to “necessary amendments.”

Premadasa said that the Justice Minister’s admission confirmed the Opposition’s concerns about the Bill’s flaws. He said that even the Justice Minister recognized shortcomings in the process.

SLPP dissident MP Weerasumana Weerasinghe said there were violations of parliamentary privileges and members were denied the opportunity to vote on the Third Reading of the Bill.