Strict laws against fake news: Fine of Rs 1mn or prison term up to 5 years

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The cabinet had approved strict laws against publishing false news which can affect national security and coexistence among communities. The cabinet paper on this was presented to the cabinet by Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on national security yesterday(June 05), based on the request by the Ministry of Justice and Prison Reforms. The cabinet paper proposes amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code. As per the ammendments, a person found guilty of spreading false news, which affects coexistence among communities and national security, could be fined up to Rs 1mn or a prison term not exceeding 5 years. Meanwhile, a proposal to amend laws on hate speech presented by Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara was also approved by the cabinet.