The Government yesterday warned those who spread false information on COVID-19 that they would face harsh penalties under the Quarantine Ordinance. Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena pointed out that some individuals spread rumours through social media and put the country into various difficulties in order to gain personal benefits.

“Some Opposition politicians have forced Buddhist monks to protest against the proposed Quarantine Centres. Such ideas are being fabricated by Opposition politicians in order to create instability in the country,” he said.  “Sri Lanka has a very strong Quarantine Ordinance Act introduced when the country was under British colonial rule. Rumour mongers should be aware of this before resorting to their various gimmicks.

At this moment all Sri Lankans need to think and act as one nation without resorting to petty politics or creating other differences,” Minister Dr. Gunawardena added.

Police also warned that legal action would be initiated against anyone found spreading false rumours regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic over social media with the aim of causing panic among the people.

The Police Media Unit issuing a statement refuted claims that many COVID-19 infected persons had been reported from various parts of the country.

There were rumours being circulated over social media that the son of the Coronavirus patient had also tested positive for the deadly virus. However, the Police said that the family had not been tested positive for the Coronavirus and they are currently being quarantined at their home under the supervision of the Health Ministry as a precautionary measure.
 
Police urged the public not to be misled by these rumours circulating over social media and said that legal action would be taken against anyone found to be spreading false rumours through social media.