Addressing cabinet on Thursday, Sri Lanka's Media and Information minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, asserted that the Ministry has "full authority" to act against any websites deemed to be publishing "false information".
The statement came following the ruling regime's recent decision to enforce mandatory registration of all websites that deliver "news, information on Sri Lanka, or information on its people".
Addressing the cabinet on Thursday, Rembukwella is reported to have said,
"[the Media] Ministry has the full authority to take action against any website which propagates false information or indecent exposure."
Rembukwella did not state what such action would entail, but added that the Ministry had received numerous complaints regarding websites that were said to be acting against the interests of the general public.
See related posts:
Free press campaigners condemn Sri Lanka's proposed media regulation (10 Nov 2011)
EU express ‘concern’ over website bans (08 Nov 2011)
Sri Lanka bans opposition website (07 Nov 2011)
Assaulted Uthayan editor remains defiant (19 Aug 2011)
CPJ: Sri Lanka fourth 'Getting Away With Murder' (03 June 2011)