The Facebook account and fan page of Technology and Research Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has been disabled without notice by the Facebook Administration Committee, according to the minister.

The minister said that he had taken the matter up with the committee via e-mail. It had informed him that they would explain their reasons for disabling his account in due course.

“There are about 21,000 fans who express various opinions on my official Facebook page,” the minister said.

Five fake Facebook profiles using similar names to the minister’s along with his photos were found on the social site. Mr. Ranawaka said people could use such fake profiles containing false information to mislead the public.

“I have used my official Facebook account without showing disrespect towards any religion or culture -- politically or socially -- and I suspect that there may be some organised group behind the disabling of my Facebook account and the fan page,” the minister said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)