The Ministry of Public Security has condemned the circulation of a doctored image falsely attributed to Minister Ananda Wijepala on social media, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
According to the ministry, the image has been shared alongside fabricated news reports following the arrest of Kehelbaddara Pathme and others, who were detained in Indonesia in connection with organized crime operations targeting Sri Lanka. The arrests were carried out through a joint operation by the Sri Lanka Police and Indonesian authorities, and the suspects were brought to Sri Lanka on August 30.
A brief ceremony at Bandaranaike International Airport recognized the officers involved in the operation. Minister Wijepala and Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya attended the event, presenting commemorative plaques and gifts to both Sri Lankan and Indonesian officers.
The ministry confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an inquiry into the creation and distribution of the fake image, and legal action is expected against those responsible.
The ministry also urged media outlets and social media users to share only accurate and verified information, particularly during sensitive operations involving organized crime and narcotics control.
