Police warn of strict action against spread of misinformation
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday (3) warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals spreading false or misleading information amidst the state of emergency currently in effect across the country.
Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said a special unit established within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has already identified 57 instances of false statements, misleading rumours and malicious digital content circulating across various platforms, including social media.
He said the CID has been instructed to initiate firm legal proceedings against individuals responsible for circulating such misinformation, noting that these actions directly impede national emergency operations.
“CID will now take stern legal action against these individuals,” Wootler cautioned.
Issuing an official statement, the Police Spokesman said the state of emergency was declared by the President to safeguard public safety and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential services. He emphasized that accurate and responsible communication is vital as authorities continue nationwide rescue, relief and security operations.
Wootler, noting that the spread of false statements and malicious digital content appears intended to erode public confidence and undermine the ongoing emergency response, warned that disseminating misinformation during a state of emergency is a serious punishable offence under Section 20 of the Gazette Extraordinary, which strictly prohibits communications likely to cause public alarm or disorder.
Quoting the Gazette, he reiterated: “No person shall, by word of mouth or by any written, electronic, digital or other means whatsoever—including through any media, information technology, automated system or artificial intelligence system—communicate, publish, disseminate or generate any rumour or false statement which is likely to cause public alarm or public disorder.”
He urged the public to act responsibly when sharing information during this critical period, reminding citizens of the importance of unity, accuracy and cooperation as the country navigates a national crisis.
-ENCL
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