One arrested for spreading fake news on deforestation

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday (May 21) arrested a 42-year-old individual in Geli-Oya, for an offence related to fake news, Sri Lanka Police said. "The person was arrested in connection with an offence related to section 120 of the Penal Code. Accordingly, if a person is publishing fake news that creates disharmony or annoyance among the general public, it is an offence," Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st on Saturday (May 22). The Computer Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department had analysed the Facebook page maintained by the individual and accordingly, it was revealed that he had posted fake news in respect of deforestation, DIG Ajith Rohana noted. According to the Deputy Police Chief, the individual has been identified as an Assistant Land Settlement Commissioner who is working in Kotmale. The person has been brought to Colombo by the CID and he will be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court today (May 22). Further investigations are underway.