Internet, killer of cultural values - TB

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The main reason for the decline of cultural and social values is the use of the Internet by the younger generation, Culture and the Arts Minister T B Ekanayake said. “As children, we did not have computers, Internet, Facebook etc. These have added new words to our vocabulary today. Children can watch whatever they want without their parents’ knowledge and permission today.

That is why they get addicted to pop music, pornography etc,” the minister said. He said Muslim countries have taken steps to protect their societies from the Internet.

“But here we do not have that and when we try to do something we get blamed for trying to restrict freedom,” Ekanayake told the Daily News yesterday. The minister said his ministry recently tried to bring a Bill on songs, lyrics, visuals etc but several people opposed it.

“Some visuals of songs contain the Sri Lankan National Flag but it cannot be used in an inappropriate way.

Some ‘journalists’ do not know how to use the language. They distort words in the Sinhala language and distort everything possible in our culture including the Jayamangala Gatha. Some persons re-mixed (rapped) the Jayamangala Gatha recently.

The Media Ministry should take stern action against such acts. Taking action against such acts is not restricting creativity,” he said. Minister Ekanayake said artistes like Dr Lester James Peiris used reputed Sinhala novels for his creations.

“But today’s creations are like instant kottu roti without meaning. We will bring rules and regulations to protect the future younger generation.

We do not like to do it but we are forced to do it,” the minister said. “The Western world wants to divide the country just as they divided and created instability in Sudan, Libya, Egypt Syria etc.

Peace is enjoyed by all Sri Lankans no matter which ethnicity and religion they are belong to. There is no fear today. We have to join hands to protect and develop Sri Lanka.

We saw how the people reacted during the Geneva issue. Shedding political differences, the entire country clearly said not to touch Sri Lanka,” Minister Ekanayake added.