The Law and Society Trust was among 16 organisation that developed a code of conduct for Responsible Social Media use in Sri Lanka, that has now been published as the Social Media Declaration Colombo 2019. The Declaration recognises the inviolable importance of the freedom of expression on or over social media, yet at the same time, encourage and strengthen the ethical, progressive, democratic and pro-social use of social media. LST is also a signatory of the Declaration.
‘Social media’ is under increasing scrutiny within the present Sri Lankan context. The resulting discourse on Freedom of Speech and Human Rights shows a lack of understanding of the complex nature of social media, or of the nuanced ideals of democracy or Freedom of Expression, especially by those in decision-making positions.
The signatories of the Declaration believe that through the measures outlined, it would be possible to “create a progressive environment on the Sri Lankan social media sphere, to ensure beneficial experiences, devoid of harassment for all users.”
Read the Declaration online here: www.socialmedialanka.org
