Social media ban: Undue pressure from diplomats: President

18 April 2018 03:19 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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When the Sri Lankan Government took action to impose the curfew, banning the social media and declaring the State of Emergency to control the Sinhala-Muslim unrest in the Kandy District in March, there were undue pressures from certain diplomats on the Government, President Maithripala Sirisena said on Tuesday in London.

“Certain diplomats spoke against the Government moves to take necessary action-including banning access to social media sites. Some of the diplomats acted beyond their mandate against the move,” the President told a group of Sri Lanka community in London Tuesday night.

“But despite those oppositions, the Government had taken necessary action, and because of that we able to prevent a major tragedy,” he said.

The President also said that at that time, an organization connected to the UN had stated that Sri Lanka had managed to impose a complete ban on the social media sites-something even the US couldn’t do.

“Almost all the international organizations welcomed the Government move to ban social media, and many parents of school children and others told me that it was a good move and requested not to remove the ban,” he said.

The President said that about 75% of the media reports on the Kandy unrest incidents were completely wrong.

“Those wrong information reached to the Sri Lankan diaspora, who eventually come to a wrong conclusion about the country’s situation,” the President said.

He requested the members of the Sri Lankan community, who were present at the meeting, not to depend only on social media for credible information.

A large number of the Sri Lankan community living in London participated.

Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Rishad Bathiudeen and acting Sri Lankan High Commissioner in London Sugeeswara Gunaratne were also present. (Sunil Jayasiri in London)

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Comments - 11

Jaliya Wednesday, 18 April 2018 03:55 PM

MS requested the members of the Sri Lankan community, who were present at the meeting, not to depend only on social media for credible information ... If the statement implies to we provide you the accurate information mot the media .... often government learn about the incidents from the media not the other way.

Sujeewa Wednesday, 18 April 2018 04:01 PM

In Colombo, you hug them, as a courteousy for bringing you for power. In London, you scold them. You are always good to scold someone, fortunately it's not MR or RW this time.

Anju Wednesday, 18 April 2018 04:14 PM

Finally he realized our media doesn't report correct information. Mr President please don't read local news papers anymore and act foolishly.

John Wednesday, 18 April 2018 04:34 PM

obviously parents of school children will encourage the ban, they want their children infront of books and not infront of their screens. COMMON SENSE, don't take that as an indication to show the ban was the correct move by you Mr President. Maybe you should've spent more time in school, a bit of friendly advice.

Gayan Wednesday, 18 April 2018 07:50 PM

Its part of winning the international comminity no?

neil Thursday, 19 April 2018 08:35 AM

Typical Gamarala thinking.

JIM Thursday, 19 April 2018 08:38 AM

"Social media ban: Undue pressure from diplomats: President" So, did you succumb to the pressure ??

Chanaka Thursday, 19 April 2018 08:44 AM

Sir, You are like a child!!! We are sorry for our selves to have a leader like you attempting to lead our nation

sarath Thursday, 19 April 2018 08:55 AM

MS went to attend an International Conference. It is not diplomatic to say any thing about the conduct of any other country just to boast himself in any other forum. Barring face book is an internal question.If this was said by Trump it would have been a big ha hoo in the international news but not of MS as he is not important.MS shall mind his language

Mahinda Thursday, 19 April 2018 09:06 AM

Western Embassies wanted to spread the so-called anti-muslim violence to be taped and publish in the social media. They wanted it spread all over the island. Muslims (DAESH) also attacked police and vandalized some temples I heard So, Diplomats are upset their job was not done. Thye had videoed even the places with garbage to show that was because of violence.

lanka Thursday, 19 April 2018 04:14 PM

Unfortunately members of the Sri Lankan community, who were present at the meeting were most probably a selected lot just getting publicity and a free drink at the taxpayer's expense! Not one had the nerve to question the president as to the lack of governance in Sri Lanka!

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Social media ban: Undue pressure from diplomats: President

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