Cabinet approves strict punishment for fake news that affects National Security and co-existence

Colombo (News 1st): Cabinet has approved strict laws against publishing false news that affects the co-existence among communities and national security. The cabinet paper on this was presented to the Cabinet by Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara of the sectoral oversight committee on national security, based on a request from the Ministry of Justice and Prison reforms. The cabinet paper proposes amendments to the penal code and the Criminal Procedure Code. As per the amendments, a person found guilty of spreading false news that affects the co-existence among communities and national security could be fined up toRupees 1 million or a prison term not exceeding 5 years. Meanwhile, a proposal to amend the laws on hate speech presented by Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara was also approved by the Cabinet.