The recently enacted Online Safety Bill in Sri Lanka has become a focal point of geopolitical debate, as Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan emphasized that regulations concerning the online sphere are solely a domestic matter for Sri Lanka.
Dzhagaryan stated that any interference by foreign powers in this internal issue is deemed irrelevant and unacceptable.
In a statement released by the Russian Embassy in Colombo this morning, Ambassador Dzhagaryan highlighted Russia's keen interest in the developments surrounding Sri Lanka's Online Safety Bill, which passed in Parliament on Wednesday, January 24. The statement emphasized that Russia is closely monitoring reactions from both domestic and foreign powers accredited in Sri Lanka.
This comes in response to U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung's remarks on January 25, expressing the United States' concerns about the potential impact of the bill. Ambassador Chung noted that the bill was passed without incorporating crucial input from key stakeholders, including civil society and tech companies. These stakeholders argue that the legislation poses a threat to freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy.
Using X (formerly Twitter) as a platform, Ambassador Chung underlined that vague and overly restrictive legislation not only jeopardizes democratic values but can also hinder investment and the development of a digital economy. She warned that such legislation could undermine the economic growth essential for Sri Lanka's progress.
Ambassador Chung urged Sri Lanka to prioritize transparency and ensure that any legislation does not stifle the voices of its people.
