Doors should be open for social progress, but must control mediums harmful to society: President

‘The temporary ban on Facebook following the incidents which occurred in Kandy and Ampara will be lifted within the next few days,’ President Maithripala Sirisena said. He added that although there is room for any medium that benefits society, there is a need to control the destruction caused to society by vicious elements using these mediums.    

He made these remarks during a meeting with the Sri Lankan community in Japan, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on 13 March. 

Mobile phones, computers, the Internet and social media were created for the benefit of humankind, and using them we can gain knowledge of the world, but unfortunately some sections of society in Sri Lanka use these resources to destroy the country, he pointed out. 

President Sirisena said the introduction of a new programme on the proper usage of such resources is expected, and emphasised the imperative need for citizens as well as the Government to fulfil their responsibilities.

He said that there is a need for such media that communicates and exchanges authentic and correct information, as well as a need to remove false information which is prone to disturb national peace, damage national security, and ridicule and insult individuals in a severe manner.

President Sirisena was warmly welcomed by the professionals, businessmen, student union members and individuals working in many fields in Japan. The President also appreciated the accomplishments of Sri Lankan citizens living in Japan, thus enhancing the reputation of the country as well.

He was apprised by the Sri Lankan community about problems they have encountered while working in their fields, and the President stated that he would take every step to solve those issues.

The community further expressed their appreciation to the President for solving the problems highlighted on an earlier occasion.

Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Tilak Marapana, Malik Samarawickarama and MP Ashu Marasinghe were also present at this event.