National Policies and Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Harsha de Silva has appealed to higher authorities to renege on the ban on social media as it has a ‘negative impact on the economy.’

In a tweet today the Deputy Minister said, ‘Had long discussion (with) Sec to President also Chairman TRC. Explained at length negative impact on economy. Hope he can convince President to unblock.’

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister also said President Maithripala Sirisena had agreed to his request that a Presidential Commission of Inquiry is set up into the racial riots that occurred last week.

Last week de Silva tweeted that he has asked the President to set up a Presidential Commission to find ‘long-standing answers’ to what triggered the racial riots.