Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala has directed the police to take action against individuals spreading defamatory statements about President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on social media amid the ongoing disaster situation.
During a meeting with police officials, Watagala instructed authorities to act under the provisions of the emergency law.
“Spreading false and defamatory statements during a disaster is a punishable offence. The President is being slandered on social media. Arrest those responsible under the emergency law and initiate legal proceedings,” the Deputy Minister said.
However, in his recent state address, President Dissanayake emphasized that emergency regulations are intended solely for disaster situations and will not be applied to other matters.
