Justifying the ban on social media, President Maithripala Sirisena said the government revenue had increased in the absence of social media in Sri Lanka. 

"Sri Lanka Telecom and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission have earned Rs.  200 million a day after the ban on social media," Sirisena said, while speaking in Japan. 

However, he added that the ban on social media would be lifted soon, following discussions with 'relevant authorities'.

This comes in the wake of several government ministers voicing their concerns against the ban on social media.

At the forefront of them was Minister Sagala Ratnayaka, the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister. 

He said many industries would suffer as a result of this ban.