Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Sri Lanka to act against defamatory social media campaigns
Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala has warned that the government will take strict legal action against people who spread false and harmful information about the President and other government leaders on social media.
He said that these actions are being done to destabilize the country and that those found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison.
The minister emphasized that the government will not tolerate such illegal activities and will enforce the law to maintain public security.
Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala has directed law enforcement to address defamatory social media campaigns targeting the President and government ministers.
The campaigns could lead to legal action under Section 5 of the Public Security Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Watagala described the online attacks as personally intolerable and aimed at destabilizing the nation.
The government will enforce the law strictly against those spreading false information to manipulate public opinion.
Individuals engaging in such activities, including those using AI technologies, will face serious legal consequences.
- Who
- Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala
- What
- Warned of strict legal action against defamatory social media campaigns targeting government leaders
- When
- During a recent meeting with police officials
- Where
- Sri Lanka
- Why
- To address malicious attacks and destabilization attempts against the President and government figures
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Official
- Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala
- Legal Action
- Under Section 5 of the Public Security Act
- Penalties
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Target
- President and government ministers
- Source
- WION