Sri Lanka, Feb. 19 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa referring to the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) and the Online Safety Act, cautioned against "draconian" applications of the law, warning against broad definitions of terrorism that could criminalise political dissent and trade union activities.

He said that the judiciary, not the executive, must drive legal interpretations. Regarding online safety, while acknowledging the need to protect children, he said that regulations must align with UK standards and international norms without infringing on civil liberties.

He noted the above during a meeting with UK's Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in Colombo. Premadasa acknowledged reformulation of the Offici...