Consultation conundrum: How ‘people friendly’ is the Government?

IN August 2025, the Government issued a public notice calling for submissions from the public and jocal and international media on amendments to the Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024 (OSA).

- By Ambika Satkunanathan

tant because it appears that those who use the OSA are largely Government members who file police complaints about false information being spread about them with the alleged intention of defaming them. In this context, if the Government fails to hold consultations, it will appear that calling for public submissions is not genuine.

A short history of the failure to consult

The main justification provided by the current Government for not dialoguing with stakeholders is that it will take considerable time, and requirements, such as those attached to the GSP Plus trade privileges granted by the European Union (EU), compel the Government to repeal and replace the PTA as soon as possible. However, it is highly doubtful that the EU and other entities, such as the UN, will take issue with the reform process taking longer if it includes meaningful and inclusive consultations, particularly on human rights deficient Jaws such as the PTA.

A quick study of consultations held by previous Governments highlights certain patterns of exclusion. Some stakeholders, such as those from the North and the East, are most often excluded in the limited consultations (one meeting at most) that have sometimes taken place, while well-known Colombo based organisations are nearly always included. In other instances, invitations to meetings are issued at short notice, even the day prior to the meeting, which prevents persons, especially those not based in Colombo, from participating.

For example, during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidency, the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanisms