⚖️ Landmark Ruling: First Online Safety Act Case Concludes

Sri Lanka’s first-ever judicial proceeding under the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024 concluded yesterday at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, marking a significant precedent for digital regulation and legal accountability in the country. • Case Background: Filed on April 4, 2024, by former PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake, the case alleged harassment under Section 20 of the Act, identifying the petitioner as a victimised individual. • Judicial Decision: Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama made permanent the conditional orders against two respondents: Gayathri Bimba (former personal assistant) and Janaka Rajapaksha (a professor). • Legal Scope: The court exercised jurisdiction under Section 39 of the Act and Section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Code. While orders against two respondents were upheld, proceedings against four other accused parties were terminated. • Economic Context: As Sri Lanka expands its ICT/BPM and digital services sectors, the enforcement of this Act aims to provide a framework for addressing prohibited statements and online harassment, potentially influencing the governance and safety of the country's digital business environment. 📈 _Status: Proceedings concluded based on court rulings._