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Last Updated : 2024-03-28 17:37:00
Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment Minister Harin Fernando today said extraordinary measures were taken to restrict access to certain social media websites and phone messaging applications.
In a statement, the minister said these measures have been taken by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) as an extraordinary but temporary response to limit the increasing spread of hate speech and violence through social media websites and phone messaging applications.
“The last few days have seen technology created to bring people together, being used to pull people apart. Social media websites such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Viber - which were created to bring us closer to our friends and family and make communication free and convenient, have been used to destroy families, lives and private property.
I don’t need to remind the young people of this country that hate, violence and discrimination robbed you of a life full of opportunity and a country full of prosperity.
Do not make the mistakes of our past generations. You have today an opportunity to create a Sri Lanka where everyone can live in peace and prosperity. You have in your hands, technology that our forefathers didn’t even imagine was possible. These technologies are the fruits of peace and their purpose is the pursuance of peace and unity amongst all people, no matter their race, religion, caste or gender.
When you spread hate and violence against anyone, you will not only sow the seeds of suffering towards others but suffering towards yourself. You will secure this land of ours as one of eternal pain and lost opportunity. Don’t be a part of making that history because you can be a part of making something better. A Sri Lanka that is better for everyone. A Sri Lanka that shines as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. A Sri Lanka that has used the fruits of peace to create a garden of unity, strength and opportunity for all our people. Be a part of that history.
Put down your smart phones, let go of your hate and help make a new Sri Lanka that is good for everyone,” Minister Fernando said.
Roshan Wednesday, 07 March 2018 04:03 PM
beautiful country badly managed!!! From the day we got independence.
Labby Wednesday, 07 March 2018 04:10 PM
Well said, brother
Premalal Wednesday, 07 March 2018 04:12 PM
Racist political parties like the TNA SLMC and The Hela Urumaya should be advised to drop their exclusive race political agendas. Racism by any form spauns racism in other.
TJ Wednesday, 07 March 2018 04:15 PM
All these measures can be effective only if the government follows it up with a crack down on extremist element.
lkboy Wednesday, 07 March 2018 04:17 PM
Finally Harin has done something.
Buddhi Perera Wednesday, 07 March 2018 04:29 PM
Action should be taken beforehand to apprehend and punish those organisations which are known to be waiting till some incident happens to incite people, without waiting till they start some mayhem.
sam Thursday, 08 March 2018 07:25 AM
Suspension of social media is the best news in a long time, FB and three wheelers have ruined our country and hope both would be banned permanently.
Yeti Thursday, 08 March 2018 07:40 AM
Well, if our children don't know how to play with toys and instead abuse them simply take them away,period!!!
Luxmy Thursday, 08 March 2018 10:05 AM
Let’s use this opportunity to identify the ones who are trying to keep us united and build the nation and the ones who are trying to distroy.
James Thursday, 08 March 2018 10:25 AM
Use VPN! I'm amazed that I'm the first person to put this comment down. These types of bans are childish.
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