USAID Chief Urges Sri Lankan President to Address Concerns on Online Safety Act Impact on Freedom of Expression
USAID Administrator Samantha Power has urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to address concerns regarding the potential impact of the Online Safety Act on freedom of expression. This issue was raised during a virtual conversation between the head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Sri Lankan leader on February 13.
According to a statement from USAID, Power has encouraged President Wickremesinghe to address worries about the potential consequences of the Online Safety Act on freedom of expression. She emphasized the importance of continued investment in Sri Lanka’s dynamic digital economy.
In the virtual discussion, the USAID chief explored Sri Lanka’s economic reform agenda and emphasized the significance of democratic governance, calling for a consultative legislative process. Power reiterated USAID’s commitment to collaborating with President Wickremesinghe in addressing challenging economic issues and underscored the strong support of the United States for freedom of expression and association.