Lift social media ban and enforce the law: Transparency International

Transparency International Sri Lanka said today in a statement that TISL is alarmed by the continued blocking of social media and other communication tools on the orders of the government and called on the government to immediately reinstate access.

Speaking on the subject TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere noted, "the government must act immediately to remove the ban on social media and instead focus on holding those responsible for hate speech and inciting violence to account under the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) Act. Instead of blocking social media, the government should be using it as a communication tool", he added.

Furthermore, TISL stated that moves to regulate social media are contradictory to the government's stated commitment to the freedom of expression. They drew attention to the 100 Days manifesto of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, who pledged then that "The Right to Freedom of Thought and Expression will be strengthened".

TISL said that any future steps that can be perceived as 'thought policing' would weaken the freedom of expression and should not be pursued.