The Gazette Notification issued on the Prohibition of Obscene Publications Bill has been revoked.
Secretary to the Ministry of Justice Mr. M. P. K. Mayadunne said the move was taken in view of the comments made by civil society organizations and various interested parties on the bill in the recent past.
The Secretary emphasized that the purpose of this law was to protect the well-being of minors and the privacy of abused women, not to impede freedom of speech.
However, civil society organizations and various interested parties have pointed out that the copyright of the creators should be taken into consideration when drafting such a law.
After obtaining the views of civil society organizations, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Criminal Law Reform Subcommittee, and various stakeholders, Ali Sabri has instructed to resubmit an amended draft to the Cabinet, the Secretary to the Ministry said.
