Sri Lanka’s police have launched a wide-ranging investigation under emergency regulations after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) identified 57 social media posts that officials claim contain “misleading rumours”.
According to the Police Media Division, the CID’s special unit is currently reviewing each of the 57 posts to determine whether the content could create fear, disrupt public order or incite tensions during the ongoing disaster response. Authorities said the probe has been initiated under the Public Security Ordinance and the emergency regulations now in force, which make the circulation of false information that may lead to unrest a punishable offence.
Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler urged the public to avoid sharing unverified material as flood and landslide rescue operations continue across the island. “It has now been observed by a special desk established by the Criminal Investigation Department around 57 misleading rumours, false and malicious statements against the ongoing operations and commitments by this government,” he said.
ASP Wootler warned that stern legal action will be taken. Citing Section 20 of the relevant Gazette Extraordinary, he said: “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 added that the CID “will now take stern legal action against these individuals”.
The police spokesman insisted the measures were necessary to maintain public confidence amid the state of emergency declared by Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Police said monitoring teams will continue to track digital platforms closely.