Dehiwala zoo lodges complaint with CID over fake social media account

Colombo, June 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Dehiwala Zoological Gardens has officially lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding a fake social media account operating under their name.

In a letter sent to the CID, zoo authorities have requested an immediate inquiry into the matter. 

According to the complaint, the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens has been receiving multiple complaints about a fraudulent Facebook account named "Dehiwala Zoo - Sri Lanka National Zoo", which has been misusing the zoo’s name and reputation to solicit money from unsuspecting users.

The zoo stated that the fake account has been claiming to conduct draws in celebration of the Dehiwala Zoo's anniversary, promising various prizes to winners, and collecting money from the public in the process. The management has made it clear that they have no association with this account or any such activities.

Director General of the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, R.C. Rajapaksa, in his letter to the CID, expressed serious concern over the reputational damage and public deception caused by this fraudulent activity. He urged the CID to pay urgent attention to this financial scam being perpetrated through social media and to take necessary legal action to safeguard the credibility of the Dehiwala National Zoo.

The CID is expected to initiate inquiries into the incident following the complaint.