Kavinda Apologizes For Voting Against Online Safety Bill

COLOMBO (News 1st); SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardena expressed regret and apologized for voting against the Online Safety Bill in alignment with the party’s decision.

"I am truly sorry for my previous actions regarding the online safety bill that was presented to Parliament. I initially believed it was important, but we were presented with the picture of a demon," he told parliament.

The MP said that recently, he tried to file a complaint about a defamatory post on Facebook and consulted a senior official of the Criminal Investigation Department. 

When I asked if he could file the complaint under the online safety bill, the official assured that he could, and also pointed out that the MP had opposed this bill.

"Honorable Chairman, I felt ashamed. At the time, it was portrayed to us that the online safety bill would strip away democratic rights, hinder political activities, and imprison us for our statements. However, the officer explained the committee has not been formed," said Jayawardena.

He also requested the government to immediately appoint the committee for the online safety bill. 

"It's essential to create the necessary framework for law enforcement agencies to act against those who spread falsehoods through social media. I apologize for voting against the online safety bill. We were compelled to do so based on our party's directive," he added.