BASL urges the government to immediately withdraw the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Online Safety Bill.

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) urged the government to immediately withdraw the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Online Safety Bill, which were recently published in the Gazettes.

The Bar Council of the BASL came to this decision following a meeting held yesterday (23) and urged the government not to proceed with these two bills.

The Bar Council unanimously resolved that both bills seriously impinge on the liberty and freedom of the people and will have a serious impact on democracy and the rule of law in the country.

The BASL maintained that both bills had been introduced without due consultation with stakeholders.

including the BASL. Therefore, the BASL requested that the government have a meaningful consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

including the BASL and to take into consideration their concerns prior to proceeding to Gazette such bills, which have a serious impact on the community at large.

The media statement in this regard was issued by BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne and its Secretary, Isuru Balapatabendi.