Govt offers to hold forum on controversial bills

The government will seek advice on the forum from the National Economic and Social Advisory Council, he said.

The premier was speaking after meeting representatives from human rights organisations and media professional associations on Friday. The groups petitioned for the government to withdraw the Internal Security Bill, arguing that it could affect the human rights.

The bill obtained Cabinet approval last month but it has yet to be considered by the National Legislative Assembly.

The NLA will hold a forum to hear people's opinions on the bill next Monday.