Do not misuse social media platforms – Defence Ministry

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Ministry of Defence has issued strict warning over the misuse of social media platforms and has urged the general public to avoid making misleading statements by misusing cyber space to create unnecessary tension among people over the Government’s efforts to mitigate COVID – 19.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne has also requested all Sri Lankans, including those who are living abroad, to support the Government’s efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, by remaining indoors and following advice issued by the Health and Defence ministries.

Issuing a statement on measures taken by the Ministry to contain COVID-19, he said similar to the responsibilities vested with the Government and Tri-Forces, all Sri Lankans are required to come forward to protect the country’s population of 22 million people from Coronavirus and also act responsibly without inciting fear among the public.

The Defence Secretary said as he could assure that all required measures have been taken by the Tri-forces, Police and all related intelligence agencies, which are working around the clock to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Maj. Gen. Gunaratne said the Tri-Forces personnel, who were committed and had stepped in to facilitate the 14-day quarantine process, were also given all the necessary protection gears to safeguard them from the virus as they were directly working with the patients.

Referring to Police curfew in certain parts of the island, the Defence Secretary said it was imposed not to create hardships to people but as an effective measure by restricting unnecessary movements of a particular high risk area to mitigate spreading of COVID-19.

Therefore, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne warned the general public not to spread any false or misleading information and damaging posts on social media platforms related to the Government’s on-going efforts to control COVID-19, as intelligence agencies have been strengthened and empowered to arrest such irresponsible people or groups.