Right of Reply: Varuni Fernando and Nimal Perera set the record straight

There are many reasons to stay engaged on social networking and microblogging platforms such as Twitter. But being bombarded with insults, baseless accusations, hateful comments and messages from people and sock puppets whose sole purpose seemed to be nefarious targeted harassment directed at other users has made these social media platforms uncivil and unsafe. 

The abuse of high-profile people commonly found on these platforms has forced the abused to consider legal action to clear the reputation damage and quit these platforms entirely. The irreversible damage to mental and emotional health caused by online trolling and abuse is something the victims of cyberbullying are compelled to live with. Such uncivil, 

manipulative behaviour of a few cyberbullies have made social media, especially Twitter, an unsafe place to be in. 

Media entrepreneur Varuni Fernando and high-net-worth investor Nimal Perera are two high-profile individuals who claimed this week they have become victims of ongoing online harassment. Here the Daily FT reproduces respective Right of Reply from Varuni Fernando and Nimal Perera in reference to Daily FT Editorial published on Monday 12 July 2021 (https://www.ft.lk/ft_view__editorial/Cyber-bullying-An-ugly-side-of-social-media/58-720284)

Varuni Fernando

Nimal Perera

Recent attack on me especially on Twitter was both unexpected, uncalled for and cruel: Varuni 

I’m neither a fan nor do I have a regular presence on the internet. The most recent attack on me especially on Twitter was both unexpected, uncalled for and cruel. Since I’m a strong person with an unshakably positive outlook on life, I could handle the pressure. But the sheer venom and hatred towards me by certain people on this medium was shocking.

What started as petty criticism for an edit of online interview done in a pre-pandemic period, was unfair because it misconstrued the essence of what I was saying. What was mentioned as the need for social media users to be positive with regards to one’s country was misinterpreted as being insensitive and ignorant of the community, because of social status. 

Many a bully on the space, attempted to incite hatred by infusing unarticulated meanings. Her views on sexual harassment in a local workplace where there are no applicable laws has been completely misunderstood and twisted by bullies with warped notions. In the interview what I meant was that while sexual harassment in an office is a serious issue, since there are no prevailing laws, it is only a corporate culture that can protect both women and men. 

In such a background it is prudent to strengthen and protect one’s self with inherent characteristics (colloquially referred to as 64 mayang if speaking of women) which can be deployed as a tool or shield. For this, it is important to get away from a mentality of playing victim and take charge of the situation; even to complain to the management, confide in a colleague or simply fight back. 

Unfortunately, my comments have been taken wildly out of context, so much so that some cyber bullies are attempting to mock and insult me with parodies, tik tok shares and comments made completely in bad faith.

While social media has been created on the basis of respecting freedom of speech, this space does not give anyone the power over another to unfairly hurl abuse, attack venomously and share defamatory content. If anyone chooses to do so, they also do the same with full knowledge of legal recourse that awaits the offender. 

I have been a victim of unprovoked profane and offensive online abuse. I shall not hesitate in taking legal remedies against anyone who I believe has violated my fundamental rights and defamed me. The time has come to stand up to cyber bullying. I believe my stand will auger well for all social media users because a few bullies will not be able to over shout and intimidate those with opposing viewpoints in the future. 

Social media platforms such as Twitter needs to focus on introducing anti-bullying tools: Nimal

I have been a victim of unprovoked profane and offensive online attacks for years now. I am currently taking a break from Twitter because the cyberbullying took an unbearable, horrific turn when I tried to defend Varuni from being harassed for her interview. Varuni and I are not the first people to deal with cyberbullying, and we won’t be the last. People who speak supportively of us too get targeted by these bullies and their various guises. These people and their sock puppets who attack have no desire to make a point in their criticising. They want their abhorrent thinking to be heard and nurture their propagandistic agendas.

I take great pleasure in sharing my wealth and knowledge with my followers. I have donated to the wellbeing of people through Twitter. I share my knowledge of stock trading. I share what I learn from my travelling. I have a cult-like following on Twitter who thoroughly enjoy my postings, who have successfully undergone costly surgeries and treatments, become successful and financially stable with my help and advice. Seeing other people happy and living their lives to the fullest bring me joy. But unfortunately, my right to live happily and peacefully is wickedly violated. I have been called many things. 

Due to my past professional engagements, I was responsible for maintaining healthy relationships with prevailing authorities. When the regimens change, everyone who perpetuated relationships with the government is targeted by the next administration. So, I too, had to go through the shockwaves of the Sri Lankan way of power transition, which led to being pinned on for many things and eventually cleared. These cyberbullying perpetrators throw vile accusations with the sole motive of discrediting. 

They would find a piece of an article in which such incidents I had to face were mentioned and repeatedly attack me on social media. If their intention is honest, they can question the media that carried such articles to reveal the complete story. But, no, that won’t quench their thirst for blood.

Cyberbullies have been able to get away with things one could not in real life. Freedom of expression is a cause to live for, but we need to draw the line at harassment. Social media platforms such as Twitter needs to focus on introducing anti-bullying tools.