Regulations needed to prevent defamation through social media: Vajira

COLOMBO: The Chairman of the United National Party (UNP), MP Vajira Abeywardena, emphasized that the present government is dedicated to elevating Sri Lanka’s global standing by ensuring the public’s access to accurate information, drawing inspiration from the significance of the Media Development Authority Act of Singapore in their developmental journey.

The MP highlighted that while everyone enjoys social media freedom, regulations will be introduced to deter its misuse for personal attacks or vengeful actions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The former Minister and Member of Parliament expressed these insights during a press conference held today (16) at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme “Collective Path to a stable country.”

Mr. Abeywardena highlighted that establishing the Commission on the Safety of Online Systems will serve as an experimental platform for journalists and citizens.

He further noted that individuals spreading defamatory or false information through online systems will face legal consequences, and the commission does not possess punitive authority.