Spreading false information liable to severe punishment: Military

Individuals or groups spreading false and sensitive information that could stir up inter-communal violence would be punished severely under the prevailing Emergency Regulations, Military Spokesman Brigadier Sumith Atapattu said.

In the statement, Brigadier Atapattu said in view of current security concerns, the public was warned to desist from engaging in any activity that could provoke sensitive human passions.

The Ministry of Defence has requested the general public to desist from passing on sensitive messages as rumours that could incite inter-communal hatred and mislead security forces, who are now engaged in security operations.

The statement:

Publication of false and misleading stories, images and information and conduct of media provocations by various interested sections/individuals/organisations that could incite/lead to communal passions and disunity among ethnic groups is liable for prosecution under Emergency Regulations, now in force.

Likewise, those propagating rumours or inaccurate information or those/organisations trying to mislead the security forces by using different media networks or by publishing different literature are also held liable for prosecution under the Emergency Regulations. In view of current security concerns, all sections of the public are therefore warned to desist from engaging in any activity that could provoke sensitive human passions.