The Central Crime Investigation Bureau yesterday arrested the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Welikada Police for allegedly having the passports of 19 Chinese nationals. The officer was taken into custody in Veyangoda.

Police said that the Welikada OIC is alleged to have demanded a bribe of Rs. 300,000 per person to release passports of 19 Chinese nationals apprehended in connection with an online scam. The Chinese were arrested during an operation in the Rajagiriya area.

It is further alleged that the demand for payment was communicated through a woman. The arrest was made following a complaint received regarding the incident, and the suspect is scheduled to be produced before court.

By Norman Palihawadana

It has been revealed that fake news created using the name, photographs, and video footage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya along with the unauthorized use of official logos of various media institutions and news websites are being circulated on social media platforms.

Certain groups have published videos edited to appear as though the Prime Minister is expressing particular views, as well as fake social media posts featuring her photographs. Through such misleading content, false information has been circulated regarding various business and employment opportunities, as well as the country’s economy and tax policies.

These false stories have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technological tools. As the Prime Minister’s Media Division, we kindly urge the public not to be deceived by such misinformation and to remain vigilant regarding these matters.

Legal action will be taken against all individuals who create and distribute such false news through social media in a manner that harms the Government and the reputation of the Prime Minister.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

The newly equipped television studio, which had remained an incomplete component of the media complex constructed for the practical training of students at the University of Vocational Technology (UoVT), Ratmalana, was officially handed over to the students on Tuesday (26 May) with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, following the installation of modern technological equipment and studio production facilities.

Following the opening of the television studio, several newly established affiliated centres aimed at expanding students’ practical and academic activities were also declared open.

Accordingly, a broadcasting studio providing opportunities for students to launch a range of educational services, including a web radio channel, an Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, and a Centre for Gender, Equity and Equality were inaugurated during the occasion.

Coinciding with the event, laptop computers were donated to support the uninterrupted continuation of the educational activities of students in at several schools affected by the recent floods and other natural disasters.  In addition, the “UoVT Greening Policy,” formulated with a comprehensive understanding of technology and environmental inter connectivity, was officially launched during the occasion.

Following this policy, all construction and development activities within the university are expected to be carried out based on green concepts, with the goal of transforming the university into a carbon-neutral environmental unit by the year 2030.

One of the key objectives of this initiative is to encourage students pursuing vocational education to engage more actively in employment opportunities within industries that prioritise green concepts and sustainability.

Following the event, the Prime Minister also engaged in a discussion with representatives of the university student unions.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology, Professor K.M.G. Prasanna Premadasa, along with several distinguished invitees.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]