The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested the President of the Sri Lanka Information Technology Association, Rajeev Yasiru Kuruwitage Mathew, for making false statements against the government through social media.
On 4th June, the Sri Lanka Information Technology Association revealed that a massive cyber attack had taken place on websites such as Presidential Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs, Medical Research Institute, Survey Department of Sri Lanka, the Family Health Bureau and the North Western Provincial Management Development and Training Unit. They further stated that the reason for this was that the government has failed to take necessary actions to prevent this.
The Presidential Secretariat had lodged a complaint to the CID against Rajeev alleging that the statement was untrue.
Accordingly, the CID had commenced investigations into the matter and recently summoned Rajiv Mathew and obtained a statement.
However, last evening (07) CID arrested Rajeev. Police Media Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana says that legal action is being taken according to the Cybercrimes Act. He says that due to his false publicity, the number of users who visit to those websites has decreased and he points out that such statements could damage public trust in those websites.
However, a police spokesman said last evening that the CID cybercrime unit had been conducting investigation against those who were misleading the public by spreading false information on the internet and social media.
He further stated that the public has been faced to various inconveniences due to such false information and a special police team has been appointed to investigate into the matter.
-Shani-