Sri Lanka proposes new law on fake news

(AFP) Sri Lanka’s government will introduce five-year jail terms for those caught spreading fake news and hate speech on social media, the government said, following a surge in online vitriol and disinformation after the Easter suicide attacks.

The cabinet of ministers approved a proposal by the acting justice minister, which will also see offenders fined one million rupees ($5,715), the government said in a statement.

Three nabbed with 17,400 SIM cards, 402 iPhones

Three suspects have been arrested along with various telecommunication equipment including 17,400 SIM cards, over 402 iPhones and 60 internet routers.

The raid was carried out this morning at Etthukala, Negombo based on information received by the Police Special Task Force, said the Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara.

Rishad sends LoD to Wimal

Former minister Rishad Bathiudeen has sent a Letter of Demand to the leader of the National Freedom Front - Wimal Weerawansa demanding Rs. one billion.

The LoD is sent against MP Weerawansa's recent statement which cited that vehicles of Lanka Sathosa (which was under Bathiudeen as minister of Industry & Commerce) had been used for the recent Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Rathana Thera’s death fast boosts extremism

Acts like the fast-unto-death campaign launched by Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera could push the moderate Muslims in the country towards extremism, Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera said yesterday. Addressing the media in Colombo, the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Gnanasara Thera pointed out that more than the Sinhala people it was the moderate Muslims who had helped curb extremist acts by the followers of terrorist leader Zaharan after the Easter Sunday bombing. “Acts like the Ven. Rathana Thera’s fast-unto-death campaign will only push such moderate Muslims towards extremism” he stressed.

Church condemns Mangala over criticism of Cardinal

Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudarachchi, Secretary, Council of Priests, Archdiocese of Colombo, yesterday, condemned Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera for his recent criticism of Malcolm Cardinal Rajith.

Samaraweera called on the Vatican and Pope Francis to take note of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith visiting MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera in Kandy on Monday, while he was engaged in a fast demanding the resignation of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Provincial Governors M. L. A M. Hisbullah and Azath Salley.

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan

Sri Lanka denied Afghanistan a famous victory by winning a low-scoring thriller in the World Cup at Cardiff.

After a dismal batting collapse by Sri Lanka, Afghanistan needed a rain-revised target of just 187 from 41 overs but were beaten by 34 runs.

Afghanistan slipped to 57-5 in their chase but a partnership of 64 by Najibullah Zadran and captain Gulbadin Naib gave them hope.

All Muslim ministers decided to resign

All Muslim Ministers, Deputy Ministers and State Ministers will resign from their positions with immediate effect. This was revealed by SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem a short while ago.

Addressing a media briefing at Temple Trees, Hakeem noted that they will continue to remain with the Government despite their decision to give up their positions. He added that they will now serve as backbenchers in Parliament.

Rathana Thero ends fast

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera ended the fast upon learning that Governors Azath Salley and M.L.A.M. Hizbullah had resigned.

He began a fast-unto-death campaign outside the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on May 31