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Last Updated : 2024-05-13 20:35:00
24 January 2024 07:22 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Kalani Kumarasinghe
Colombo, Jan 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) refuted comments made by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles in Parliament on Tuesday, during the debate of the controversial Online Safety Bill, stressing that the alliance has not been privy to amendments made to the Bill.
AIC, an industry association, comprising leading internet and technology companies such as Meta, Google, Apple and Amazon said that certain assertions made by Public Security Minister Alles do not accurately reflect the developments in drafting the controversial new legislation.
During the debate in Parliament, Minister Alles said that technology industry representatives had approved the amendments proposed to the Online Safety Bill. “Of course, we have had extensive discussions with the Asian Coalition, where it covers about fifteen companies. Our team went to Singapore and sat with them for three days, went para by para… After that they gave their suggestions,” the Minister said. He was responding to a question raised by MP Harini Amarasuriya questioning if the AIC had approved of the amendments to the Bill.
Issuing a statement the AIC’s Managing Director Jeff Paine said that the Minister’s statement does not accurately reflect the substantial contributions that the alliance has made throughout the legislative process.
The AIC said its contributions include comprehensive submissions and engagements such as hosting representatives from the Ministry of Public Security at the annual Online Safety Forum organised by the AIC in Singapore. “These engagements and representations eventually culminated with our last submission to the Ministry on 8th, January 2024,” Paine said.
The AIC also charged that it has not been informed of the amendments to the bill, reiterating that the bill in its present form is ‘unworkable’ and requires extensive revisions to align with global best practices. “Despite our commitment to constructive collaboration, the AIC has not been privy to proposed amendments to the bill. We unequivocally stand by our position that the Online Safety Bill, in its current form, is unworkable and would undermine potential growth and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s digital economy,” the statement said.
Nalin Bandara Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:40 AM
Let's get together people to kick these corrupt scum bags out in the next election. We are sick and tired of these selfserving lowlifes ruining our lives and decimating our childrens future.
Shame Shame Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:49 AM
Tiran - what a shame. You will be held responsible in the future for ruining people's lives for your greedy personal agendas.
Nghfghhhgfhjjgg Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:50 AM
So after all, Mr. Tiran Allas, you were trying to give a super ride to our Sri Lankans, this proves that your importent. You have wasted public money by travelling to Singapore and not doing your job properly
Shiran Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:58 AM
We know our Ministers, MPs and in fact most politicians are a bunch of liars, who continue to dupe the public
Jayantha Wednesday, 24 January 2024 08:02 AM
TA was never an electes mp by people. So is the rw. These are the dangers when you have jokers holding crusual positions unelected by people. Things done by TA is not actually valid as he was never ever given authority by people. This crook will be behind bars after next election.
Ashan Wednesday, 24 January 2024 08:16 AM
Online Safety Bill, in its current form, is unworkable and would undermine potential growth and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s digital economy,” these buffoons Tiran and Ranil leading the pack is taking the whole country down.
joshua Wednesday, 24 January 2024 09:21 AM
Most of our Ministers wake from their dreams and utter something to the media. Most of them do not know whether they are coming or going
Sachith Wednesday, 24 January 2024 10:12 AM
Just think, after this bill passed these kind of news wont appear.. AIC's refute wont be published and only what government says. people would think its as an "Adhirajyawadhi kumanthranayak" and vote for maina to save the country.
Ram Wednesday, 24 January 2024 12:02 PM
Minister Alles has proved himself to be a liar. What more can we expect from SL Ministers?
poly tricks Wednesday, 24 January 2024 09:08 PM
IF the amendments were not informed to the AIC are they referring to the before amendments format as the unworkable format? In which case is there a need to be worried?
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