• Draws criticism from HR activists about the suppression of criticism 
• CID probing 57 complaints of misleading/false/malicious rumours/statements aimed at disrupting public confidence and undermining emergency ops.
• Summonses issued, eventual arrestees to be treated as accused – not suspects - under law 

The Public Security Ministry has informed Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Police stations to strictly enforce the Emergency Regulations (ERs) issued by the President and to take action against those spreading baseless allegations on social media as part of defamatory campaigns, including those targeting the President and several political authorities and figures such as Government Ministers.

The Deputy Public Security Minister, attorney Sunil Watagala said this during a meeting with OICs, where he warned that online smear campaigns including extremely malicious attacks on social media had intensified in recent days and could become normalised if left unchecked. 

However, the move drew criticism from Human Rights activists and Opposition members of parliament. 

He added that it is important for the Police to take firm action and not allow anyone to exploit the situation for personal political gain. “Right now, everyone is working together to overcome this crisis, regardless of political differences. But, there are groups that cannot accept that unity. They are looking for ways to break it, and they are the ones trying to use this moment for narrow political advantage.”

He said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had imposed ERs under the Public Security Act on 28 November of this year (2025), by Gazette 2464/31, adding that these Regulations include provisions which cover propaganda that spreads false claims about the ongoing national crisis. He noted that such content, whether shared physically, online, or through artificial intelligence (AI), falls under the scope of public security.

“Currently, individuals who are abroad are especially using social media for this. If this continues for another day or two, under Section 5 of the said Act, the orders issued by the President and ERs clearly cover this situation. Practically, no one is allowed to spread false information, distort facts, or conduct any propaganda that undermines this situation via online platforms or using AI technology. When you look at social media today, the attacks directed at the President are such that, as human beings, it is impossible to bear them. There is a group operating with distorted intentions and a warped mindset to destabilise the society. As a Government, we have set the highest and best standards for public security. Within such a context, these actions are aimed at manipulating public opinion. Therefore, we say that the country has a law, and that all citizens are bound to act according to it. Those who do not comply will face the strictest legal actions from us.”

"Under these Regulations, High Courts or Magistrate’s Courts can impose a prison term of up to five years for those who engage in such acts. In some instances, offences may carry sentences of up to 10 years. Complaints have so far been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and summonses have been issued under the Criminal Procedure Code. Further legal action will follow once statements are recorded," he added. Watagala pointed out a key difference under the new Regulations, saying: "Those taken into custody under the Regulations imposed through the said Gazette are treated as accused rather than suspects. Under the ordinary law, we arrest suspects. This time, it is an accused who is arrested, and the case proceeds after the arrest.”

The Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler declared that stern legal action will be taken against individuals circulating false or misleading information during the state of emergency currently in effect across Sri Lanka. In a statement, he said that the President has imposed a state of emergency to ensure the safety and welfare of all citizens, and that the Government is committed to maintaining essential services and public security during this period. He revealed that a special unit established by the CID has identified 57 instances of misleading rumours, false statements, and malicious content aimed at disrupting public confidence and undermining ongoing emergency operations. “It has now been observed by a special desk established by the CID that around 57 misleading rumours, and false and malicious statements have been made against the ongoing operations and commitments by this Government,” he said. Wootler emphasised that such actions constitute a serious offence under Section 20 of the Gazette Extraordinary, which prohibits the communication, publication, or dissemination of any false statement likely to cause public alarm or disorder. 

Meanwhile, former Human Rights Commission Member/Commissioner, attorney Ambika Sathkunanathan took to social media, questioning Watagala’s statement as a contradiction to the President’s statement that the ERs will not be misused by anyone. “(Watagala’s) statement shows the danger of declaring a state of Emergency and will be viewed by the Police as a license to arrest anyone criticising the Government. Contradicts the President’s statement,” she posted, adding, “The Government needs to stop being thin-skinned and stop taking offence at criticism.”