Sri Lanka draws up law on online “untruths”, religious hurts

The Sri Lanka government states that the Sri Lanka cabinet of ministers had approved a draft law which will arbitrate on the truth or otherwise of various statements published online, as well as frauds. The bill comes shortly after a broadcast bill targeted television and radio stations.

Eventhough, Sri Lanka already has laws on defamation, various government spokesman had previously said there was a need for a “China style law” on online publishing and social media.

In addition to statements, the law also deals with fraud and child abuse.

The Attorney General had given his clearance and the bill will be published on the government gazette.

The statement said several acts have been defined as offences.

Communicating false statement about events within Sri Lanka ,  Making false statements which can be defamatory , Making false statement which will lead to uprisings or needless provocation,  Disturbing a religious gathering with false statements , Communicating statement to hurt religious feelings , Communicating false statements made with malice to disparage religion ,  Cheating , Cheating by impersonation , Making fast statements intentionally to break provoke and break the peace , Communicating statements on events to cause harassment , Child abuse , Building bots or modifying to commit and offence.
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