COLOMBO – Fake Facebook accounts created both in Sri Lanka and overseas are being used to spread hate speech aimed at provoking tensions between ethnic communities, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala told Parliament on Friday (9)
He said the Cybercrime Division had investigated social media posts that could fuel ethnic conflict, resulting in arrests in several areas and the submission of reports to court.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah under Standing Order 27(2).
Wijepala said authorities had not received complaints or information about social media posts specifically targeting the Muslim community with hate speech or intended to create tensions.
However, investigations had identified posts designed to incite conflict between ethnic groups, with fake Facebook accounts being operated both locally and from abroad, he said.
The minister warned that strict action would be taken against hate speech and activities that undermine ethnic reconciliation.
“Those who promoted racism in the past continue to follow the same pattern,” he said, adding that no conflicts had arisen in the country over the past two years and that the government would work to prevent a recurrence.
-ENCL
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