COLOMBO, Feb. 5 -- Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) on Tuesday (3) voiced concern over what it described as growing threats to freedom of expression, particularly the ability of journalists to work without interference, and called for a moratorium on the use of the Online Safety Act (OSA).

In a statement, the Commission said it was troubled by what it sees as an increasing tendency by law-enforcement authorities to initiate investigations into allegedly defamatory speech, including publications by journalists.

The HRCSL cited the recent summoning of journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, who also serves on the Commission's Sub-Committee on Freedom of Expression, for police questioning without prior disclosure of the reasons. The Co...