Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:00:23 -0000
Subject: Request to block YouTube in Sri Lanka for causing harm to Buddhism
To: cc@trc.gov.lk
Body:
Kamal Wickramanayake
EndChannel
No 41/1, Rambukkana Road
Mawathagama
NWP, Sri Lanka
June 11, 2020
The Compliance Division
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka
No. 276, Elvitigala Mawatha
Colombo 08
WP, Sri Lanka
Dear Officers,
You may already be aware that many factions spread distorted views of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and that this has caused difficulties to many others. Some monks have also been expelled from their relevant chapters for distorting Buddhism. Irrespective of significant efforts to rectify the same, many continue to spread distorted views of Buddhism using platforms like YouTube. This is a complaint that requests the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to direct all the Internet service providers in Sri Lanka to block access to YouTube in a bid to save Buddhism.
I have been observing for many years how YouTube is being used by both monks and the general public to spread Buddhism related sermons. There are many issues that arise from hosting such content at YouTube. It is required that the Buddhist content be regulated as per the words of Lord Buddha but not as per the rules, regulations, guidelines, practices and wishes of business entities like YouTube.
Due to the harm caused by hosting Buddhist content at YouTube, I had tried contacting YouTube multiple times to inform them about the issues and guide them to correct the same. However, they don't appear to listen. You can look at the emails I have sent to them and the common response that I have repeatedly received by visiting this web page: https://help.endchannel.com/resources/letters
I have a vested interest in protecting Buddhism. Buddhism is protected by the supreme law of our country too. It is a duty of the state to protect Buddhism. When an entity like YouTube continues to cause harm to Buddhism and does not take remedial actions, I cannot maintain a blind eye. I cannot let Buddhism, the most precious inheritance that I have received be neglected and ruined. I believe that the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission should also consider that it is their duty too to protect Buddhism from threats of this nature as per the constitution of Sri Lanka.
Due to the harm that YouTube cause to Buddhism and their inaction to correct themselves, I request the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka to direct all the Internet service providers in Sri Lanka to block access to YouTube.
Kamal Wickramanayake
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