The Muslin Council of Sri Lanka has sent a letter to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa urging him to extend the prohibition of hate  speech  to mainstream media and public gatherings, preventing extremist from launching venomous attacks on ethnic and religious minorities.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Raajapaksa yesterday ordered law enforcement authorities to take strict action against those who promote hate speech and hate campaigns through social media.

While welcoming the decision made by the Defence Secretary, the Muslim Council also says it is a “long overdu” and an important action that needs to be strictly enforced with immediate effect.          

“Your timely action will send a clear message to all Sri Lankans and the international community that you will not tolerate targeting of minorities in the country,” The council says in the letter.                    

“We also kindly urge you, Sir, to extend the prohibition of  hate speech to mainstream media  and public gatherings, so that all Sri Lankans of different ethnicities and religious beliefs can live as  equal citizens of Sri Lanka” the council urges.             

The Muslim Council urges Rajapaksa to take strict action against those who incited violence in Beruwala, Aluthgama and Dharga Town on June 15 and 16.