<p>Colombo: Sri Lanka's Parliament on Thursday endorsed a controversial bill to regulate online content despite criticism from the Opposition that claimed it will stifle freedom of speech.</p>.<p>Parliament’s communications office in a release said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena certified the bill with his signature.</p>.<p>The Speaker’s endorsement came despite demands internationally and locally to refrain from signing it.</p>.<p>The Parliament had approved the bill with amendments last week.</p>.<p>The new legislation would lead to the establishment of the Online Safety Commission which is empowered to make punitive rulings on offenses.</p>.<p>A false statement online would be liable, if convicted, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand Sri Lankan rupees.</p>.India to assist in rescue of Sri Lanka fishermen captured by Somali pirates.<p>Earlier, the bill was severely criticised as one which impinged on the freedom of expression.</p>.<p> The opposition argued, citing the Asian Internet Coalition (AIC), that the bill would hamper efforts to invite foreign investment.</p>.<p>The Opposition also vowed to repeal it when in power.</p>.<p>The AIC had said, “The proposed legislation, in its present form, poses significant challenges that, if not addressed comprehensively, could undermine the potential growth of Sri Lanka's digital economy.” </p><p>The highest court had ruled to amend at least 31 of the full 57 clauses of the bill. </p>
<p>Colombo: Sri Lanka's Parliament on Thursday endorsed a controversial bill to regulate online content despite criticism from the Opposition that claimed it will stifle freedom of speech.</p>.<p>Parliament’s communications office in a release said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena certified the bill with his signature.</p>.<p>The Speaker’s endorsement came despite demands internationally and locally to refrain from signing it.</p>.<p>The Parliament had approved the bill with amendments last week.</p>.<p>The new legislation would lead to the establishment of the Online Safety Commission which is empowered to make punitive rulings on offenses.</p>.<p>A false statement online would be liable, if convicted, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand Sri Lankan rupees.</p>.India to assist in rescue of Sri Lanka fishermen captured by Somali pirates.<p>Earlier, the bill was severely criticised as one which impinged on the freedom of expression.</p>.<p> The opposition argued, citing the Asian Internet Coalition (AIC), that the bill would hamper efforts to invite foreign investment.</p>.<p>The Opposition also vowed to repeal it when in power.</p>.<p>The AIC had said, “The proposed legislation, in its present form, poses significant challenges that, if not addressed comprehensively, could undermine the potential growth of Sri Lanka's digital economy.” </p><p>The highest court had ruled to amend at least 31 of the full 57 clauses of the bill. </p>