Bill on Prohibition of Obscene Publications to be re-submitted, Gazette invalidated

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Justice Minister has instructed the Justice Secretary to nullify the gazette issued on the 24th of December 2021, on the Prohibition of Obscene Publications.

A statement quoting M. P. L. Mayadunne, the Justice Secretary, released by the Department of Government of Information noted that Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC had given instructions to re-submit an amended bill to the Cabinet of Ministers as consideration should also be given to the rights of content creators.

The statement notes that the Prohibition of Obscene Publications is to be introduced for the welfare of child abuse victims and to protect the privacy of women subject to harassment and NOT to curtail the freedom of expression.

It added that due consideration should be given to the rights of content creators, and therefore, an amended bill will be prepared after obtaining the views of civil organizations, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Justice Sector Reforms Programme, and other relevant parties.