Vasu calls for social media monitoring

Thursday, 9 May 2019 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Nuwan Senarathna

Opposition Lawmaker Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday called on the Government to take measures to monitor content circulated on social media platforms to minimise hate speech and prevent communal clashes.

MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara

MP Mahinda Yapa

MP C.B. Ratnayake

Speaking to media at Opposition Leader’s office, Nanayakkara said social media content, which has raised concerns, could create tense situations between communities.

Citing a recent letter that had been circulating, he called on the Government to investigate the credibility of such content and take action against those responsible.

“I have seen a letter that has been circulating during the last few days, which states that there is an attempt to stage another attack. The letter seems to be genuine as it has the Government symbol and procedures that State officials follow, but that could be fake. Therefore I urge the Government to investigate such activities.”

Nanayakkara pointed out the Government could prevent communal violence if they monitor social media activities that could lead to communal violence or spread of false information that might contain hate speech.

He acknowledged previous government had maintained facilities to monitor content circulation on social media. According to Nanayakkara, such monitoring had helped the Government to gather information on suspicious activities and hate speech against different communities in Sri Lanka.

He requested the Government to take tough legal action against anyone that spread hate speech and false information on social media. He noted considering prevailing security situation false information could lead to serious consequences.

He charged the current situation arose as a result of weakening intelligence agencies. “Once this Government came to power they had followed instructions of some NGOs and stop monitoring activities on social media, but if they continue what we had been doing this attack could have prevented.”

Referring to the alleged attempt to send letters to the temple containing false information on the President, Nanayakkara called on the Government to conduct an investigation to find the mastermind behind the incident.

“We cannot take this lightly, Police should conduct a proper investigation to find out the intention of this. I request the President to take tough actions against those who behind this.”

Meanwhile, Nanayakkara claimed foreign security forces might use Easter Sunday attacks to enter the country but the Government should resist allowing them into Sri Lanka. “Prime Minister has stated several times Easter Sunday attacks were an act of global terrorism. These statements give an impression that there is an attempt to seek the assistance of foreign security forces, which will hinder national security,” he added.

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe