Cricket commentator Roshan Abeysinghe came under severe criticism on social media today when he called for a "Hitler-style" rule to control crime and violence. 

"Looking at the killings in Sri Lanka I sometimes wonder who is in charge. Sri Lanka truly needs a Hitler to put these elements in their places and not the compassionate government that once we wanted. This situation is reaching serious levels," Abeysinghe tweeted.

After facing severe social media backlash, the international cricket commentator clarified his tweet saying, "May be in my earlier tweet the name Hitler would have been too harsh! I should rephrase and say a strong leader who can take the bull by the horn and stop this killing that's happening too regularly! Law & order should prevail for people to live. That's what I meant all along."

He also added, "I thought I was speaking to a mature and an educated audience. Sadly I am wrong! I am glad that the majority understood my Hitler comment, which has been taken literally. I also realise that there are few fools too, who don't seem to understand a figure of speech. Sad!"

Anunayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter Vendaruwe Upali Thera ran into a social media storm a few weeks ago when he advised former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to establish a "Hitler-style" rule to revive Sri Lanka.