Legal action has been initiated under the Online Safety Act against those who have spread rumours about the Lanka Premier League (LPL) on various social media platforms, Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Fernando warned that the social media accounts, including Facebook, of people spreading fake news will be suspended if they are found guilty.
Minister Fernando made the remarks concerning the recent comments made on the arrest of the Dambulla Thunders’ franchise owner the day after the Player Auction of the 2024 LPL.
Reminding the public that the Sports Law against betting and match-fixing was brought under his previous tenure as Sports Minister, Harin Fernando said the law has paved the way for cricketers to file a complaint over match-fixing allegations.
The Sports Minister further said that a special investigative unit has been established to probe such cases, while the Police have been vested with powers under the law to arrest and remand people accused of such activities.
“I have brought a Sports Law to the country. Anyone found to be guilty will definitely be punished under the law. Sri Lanka is the only country among South Asian countries to have such a law. But people without knowing facts are levelling allegations against me and former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya,” he added.
The Sports Minister also shot down questions claiming that the LPL was being held to collect money for the upcoming Presidential election, stating that the LPL has been played over the last five years and has no connection to any elections. (Newswire)
