US Ambassador Julie Chung has urged the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the protection of people’s rights concerning the Internet Security Bill and anti-terrorism legislation.
In a message shared through ‘X,’ Ambassador Chung emphasized the importance of receiving and incorporating input from the technical sector, civil society, and various experts when discussing the draft Internet Security Bill.
Ambassador Chung stated that safeguarding freedom of expression is crucial, as it is a non-negotiable and fundamental right that must be preserved. She called upon the Sri Lankan government to fulfill its commitment to amend the anti-terrorism laws in alignment with international standards and the best practices observed by other democratic nations.
Ambassador Chung highlighted that Sri Lankans deserve both security and basic freedoms. She emphasized the need to strike the right balance through effective legislation, which would ensure both the freedom of lawful assembly and the empowerment of law enforcement to fairly address threats.
