Laws needed to regulate social media: PM
The government is keeping a close watch on the activities of certain websites in social media, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
Laws will be introduced if necessary, if such websites fail to listen to reason, the Prime Minister said at the National Meelad-un-Nabi ceremony in Guruthalawa on Monday.
“We can take steps against the print and electronic media if they propagate extremism. However, we cannot control the damage caused by social media if they spread extremism. Laws will be introduced if necessary, if such websites fail to listen to reason,” he said. He also said an inter-faith dialogue is imperative to secure religious harmony and promotion of tolerance in Sri Lanka.
“The government under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena wants to strengthen ethnic and inter-faith harmony which is essential for peace in Sri Lanka.
Maintaining law and order and discussing to solve problems are what the government is focusing on. We cannot allow a handful of people to cause public unrest.
The government reassures the people’s right to choose and practice any religion of their choice,” Wickremesinghe said.
The Prime Minister said one of the major setback in Islamic education in Sri Lanka is the shortage of Moulavi teachers.
“The government has now taken the initiative to fill this gap. I have briefed the education minister to recruit Moulavi teachers in 2017,” Wickremesinghe said.
“Whatever language we speak and whatever religion we follow, we should always keep in mind that we all are Sri Lankans. It is our responsibility to eliminate attempts to spread extremism. Several years back, the people feared that they might not be allowed to follow the religion they prefer. This is not so now,” he said.
“The present government will not allow any sort of extremism. We are moving forward with the national reconciliation process,” Wickremesinghe said.
(Source: Daily News – By Amali Mallawaarachchi)
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This guy is living in a world of his own.
Social media is the new order of the world. It ensures transparency. Misdemeanours by the big wigs are exposed by the citizenry and media who carry mobile devices that can record incidents and be floated on social media.
MY3 and Ranil came to power on a platform of honesty and transparency. Social media will, if left unregulated, will assist them in their endeavour.
The IGP is saying “Sir, Sir, the Nilame in your electorate will not be arrested, Sir, despite facing allegations of Millions of LKR swindling”.
Next comes the Navy Commander in a pair of shorts with his belly spilling over, manhandling journalists and roughing-up innocent workers who were standing up for their legitimate entitlements.
Dear RW, Is this the Yahapalana which you promised? These clowns (IGP and Navy Commander) were exposed in the social media. If socila media is gagged, Ranil, these clowns will eat your Yahapalanaya.
I think lichchawi method is not this. Rather than worrying about the people governing bodies should worry about within the government. Lichchawi method should clean inside first then go to the public.
There are bank robbers, traitors, kidnappers etc.
I hope he will first make laws and punish those governing bodies before impose laws to the others.
Be an example to other is important than spitting out just the words.