Laws are to be urgently toughened to crack down on false news distribution and to curb hate speech in a bid to reduce the current spate of conflict aggravating public messaging, the Government Information Department announced yesterday. Cabinet approval has been granted for the revision of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code enabling swift and stringent legal action to be taken against those who engage in false news distribution and hate speech.
The sea area extending from Kankasanturai to Pottuvil via Mannar, Colombo, Galle and Hambanthota can be rough at times as the wind speed can increase up to 60-65 kmph, the Department of Meteorology said. Issuing a warning, it said the other sea areas around the island can be fairly rough at times as the wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph.