Ministry of Public Security to Take Legal Action Over Fake Photo of Minister Ananda Wijepala

Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has announced that it will be taking legal action against individuals who created and circulated a fake photograph of Minister Ananda Wijepala.

In a statement, the Ministry detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident. Kehelbaddara Padme and other members of an organized crime syndicate, who had been operating various crimes from abroad, were arrested in Indonesia through a joint operation by the Sri Lanka Police and the Indonesian Police.

A special ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to welcome the team and thank the Indonesian police officers for their support. The event was attended by Minister Ananda Wijepala and Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya. During the ceremony, Minister Wijepala presented plaques and gifts to both Sri Lankan and Indonesian police officers who were involved in the successful operation.

However, the Ministry noted that doctored photos and fake news reports about the event have been circulating on social media. A particularly misleading photograph, falsely made to appear as though it features Minister Ananda Wijepala, is being widely shared.

The Ministry strongly denies the authenticity of these images and news reports. It stated that legal action will be pursued against those responsible for creating and publishing the fake photographs.

The Ministry also issued a call to action, urging all media outlets and social media users to share only accurate information, particularly during ongoing special operations aimed at combating organized crime and drug trafficking.