The government of Sri Lanka has banned Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter Periscope, Google Video, TikTok, Viber, Telegram, and Instagram as the government fears that protesters will use them to coordinate protests and share information. will do for Due to this block, users are forced to access these platforms through VPN. Significantly, Sri Lanka has a history of imposing nationwide social media bans during the unrest.
After the imposition of an emergency in Sri Lanka, now fundamental rights have been violated. Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa government has imposed a complete ban on all types of social media platforms after reports emerged that they were planning to launch massive protests over the economic crisis. In addition, the Rajapaksa government on Saturday ordered that no one be allowed into public places without permission during a 36-hour curfew imposed by the government ahead of an anti-government rally over the worsening economic crisis.
The Sri Lankan government on Sunday lifted the ban imposed on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Social media was banned along with a nationwide public emergency and a 36-hour curfew ahead of anti-government protests over the worsening economic crisis in the country. Regarding the lifting of the ban, an official said that the services of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Toktok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger were restored after 15 hours.
Sri Lanka’s Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapakse said that I do not support blocking social media. Due to the availability of VPNs, such restrictions are of no importance. I urge the officials to think more progressively and reconsider this decision.
Due to the worst economic crisis in the country, the anger of the public against the government is increasing. People are facing power outages for hours apart from standing in long queues for fuel and cooking gas. Along with this, the demand for Rajapaksa’s resignation is increasing continuously.
The shortage of foreign exchange in Sri Lanka has led to a shortage of essential goods like fuel and cooking gas. Power cuts are being done for 13 hours a day. Sri Lanka is currently facing the worst economic crisis in history. Doctors have stopped the operation on patients due to running out of medicines in the hospitals. There are two-kilometer long lines for fuel at petrol pumps. Food items have become so expensive that people are forced to sleep hungry. The situation is that milk is being sold at more expensive than petrol.