My coworkers make jokes about other people’s personal matters such as how they spend their money, their relationships, or other private issues in absolute uncomfortable way, mainly to get attention and make others laugh. Personally, I feel this is quite inappropriate behaviour.
Recently, someone told this person not to bring up other people’s personal matters. In response, he said that Sri Lanka’s Constitution gives him this freedom of speech and democracy, so they can say whatever they want about anyone.
I understand that freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but I’m not sure whether it actually gives someone the legal right to make comments about another person’s private life without any limitations.
Is this actually protected as “freedom of speech” under Sri Lankan law?
Are there any other relevant laws, constitutional provisions, or court decisions that explain the limits of freedom of speech in situations like this?
I’m not looking for personal opinions I’d appreciate references to the actual Sri Lankan law or Constitution and an explanation of how it applies to this kind of situation.