Video: Cabinet nod for laws banning hate speech

3 April 2015 11:34 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Penal Code by including strict laws to take action against those who engage in hate speech that would result in communal, religious and ethnic disharmony.

The amendment was submitted by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe in keeping with the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Rajitha Senaratne said today the amendment which bans hate speech was essential for peaceful co-existence and political consensus.

“In the recent past there have been speeches which promoted religious extremism. Such an amendment has been recommended by the (LLRC),” he told the weekly Cabinet news briefing.

The Penal Code, when amended by the Legal Draughtsman will be published in the government gazette and presented in Parliament for approval and enactment. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 18

GoodSense Saturday, 04 April 2015 12:50 PM

Only to those who violate the law and behave arrogantly

Bokku Kata Saturday, 04 April 2015 10:05 PM

This should start with organizations based on ethnisity. Ex Sihala Urumaya, Tamil National Alliance

Maya Saturday, 04 April 2015 07:27 PM

Aiyo, BBS! Aiyo Wimal!!

Kingsley Wijesinhe Saturday, 04 April 2015 07:25 PM

What constitutes hate speech must be carefully and unambiguously defined. Otherwise, even legitimate criticism could be construed as hate speech if it suits the government in power at the time.

Saturday, 04 April 2015 04:05 PM

Should have done long b efore via DM Android App

anbu nenjen Saturday, 04 April 2015 03:08 PM

It is another step forward good governance.welldone. via DM Android App

rienzie Saturday, 04 April 2015 02:50 PM

Long needed law. All jokers who attemempts to show their colours can be sent to prison . Thank you Mr President. So far so good O K

Pasel Saturday, 04 April 2015 01:44 PM

Is it for everyone or just for a group ?PTA gave rights to arrest anyone in the same way this Law can arrest and throw anyone in jail for two years for hate speech

Ranjan Saturday, 04 April 2015 01:04 PM

Not only BBS,even Joseph Rayappu, Wigneswaran of genocide fame, Assad Sally, SLMC fall into the same category.

Giabao Friday, 03 April 2015 05:19 PM

hmmm. but this should not bar freedom of expression,

shamon Saturday, 04 April 2015 12:12 PM

Very good move indeed. making hate speech is not.free speech via DM Android App

Kamal Saturday, 04 April 2015 10:55 AM

Is this law only applicable to Sinhala Buddhists or all ethnicities in Sri Lanka?

Lakshman De Silva Saturday, 04 April 2015 10:19 AM

Freedom of expression does not allow defamation and incitement. All over the world freedom of expression is limited to legally based expressions. This is included in the United Nations International Covenant of Civil and Political rights resolution. Supreme Courts in the USA and Japan has endorsed this restriction of freedom of Expression. A good move by the Sri Lanka Government

Abdul Saturday, 04 April 2015 08:56 AM

this is a good move

zuhrudeen mohamed Saturday, 04 April 2015 07:59 AM

A good move to maintain the co-exsistance of all ethnicsand for the peace and harmoney in the country.

amit Saturday, 04 April 2015 07:41 AM

Things are going out of control. Its time to put a stop. Politicians making irresponsible statements must be brought to courts and punished.

P.T.K. Ramakrishna Saturday, 04 April 2015 07:22 AM

Freedom of speech does not mean that a religion, language,community,could be publicly abused or attacked.

Cobra Saturday, 04 April 2015 07:00 AM

BBS look out!!!

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Video: Cabinet nod for laws banning hate speech

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