Asia Internet Coalition, which has its headquarters in Singapore, says that the statement made by the Minister of Public Security Mr. Tiran Alas in Parliament yesterday (23) regarding the draft bill on the safety of roadways does not reflect their contribution to this bill.
In the announcement issued yesterday, they have mentioned that their organization has not yet been informed about the amendments to the road safety bill, even though their organization is ready to work forward with cooperation.
They say that this bill cannot be implemented in its current form and will affect the direct investments flowing into Sri Lanka’s e-economy.
Jeff Paine, Managing Director of Asia Internet Coalition, has released the announcement titled ‘Sri Lankan Minister’s Comments on Online Security Bill 23 January 2024’.
An organization comprised of leading Internet and technology companies, it is said to seek to promote understanding and resolution of Internet policy issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
Huge companies like Google, Apple, Meta, X (Twitter), Amazon, Yahoo, Booking.com, FedEx, Pinterest are its members.
It is reported that the Facebook relationship of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has already been deactivated and these companies had expressed their opposition to this government bill twice.
Below is the AIC Media Statement.
AIC Media Statement
Comments from Sri Lankan Minister in Parliament on Online Safety Bill
23 January 2024
To be attributed to Jeff Paine, Managing Director, Asia Internet Coalition
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The Asia Internet Coalition would like to address and refute certain assertions made in the statement read by the Minister of Public Security in Parliament concerning the Online Safety Bill.
The Minister’s statement does not accurately reflect the substantial contributions that the AIC has made throughout the legislative process, which include comprehensive submissions as well as 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 8 January 2024.
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.
We firmly believe that for the Bill to align with global best practices, extensive revisions are imperative.
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About the Asia Internet Coalition
The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) is an industry association comprising leading Internet and
technology companies. The AIC seeks to promote the understanding and resolution of Internet policy issues in the Asia Pacific region. Visit www.aicasia.org for more information.