• Says any party that feels social media content has prejudiced, can complain to the Police
• Says complaint has already been lodged against YouTuber who commented about Fmr. President Wickremesinghe’s arrest and remand

The Ministry of Public Security stated that although predictive content published by various media platforms does not require investigation, anyone who feels such content has caused prejudice to a party, can lodge a complaint with the Police.

The controversy over a YouTuber who indicated the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his remand, has caused debate amongst the public and political circles about the possible contempt of court implications and impact on the independence of the judiciary by such statements.

When asked by The Daily Morning about whether such incidents would be investigated by the Police, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that there is no practical way for the Police to probe every prediction made on social media or other platforms. 

“Many YouTubers say one thing after another. They make statements about anything they want. Some have even claimed on social media that we will be sent to jail. If the Police were to investigate every piece of content like this, they would have no time left for their other duties,” he said.

However, he added that if anyone believes such content has caused prejudice to a party, they can lodge a complaint with the Police, specifically with the Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID). “A complaint has already been filed regarding this particular incident, in which a YouTuber indicated Wickremesinghe’s arrest and remand. The Police will take the necessary action.”

On an earlier occasion, Mass Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesperson, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed concerns over the incident, saying that “anyone can make predictions” and such remarks do not indicate Government interference.

He said that the Government has not intervened in any ongoing court proceedings and that all institutions have been allowed to conduct investigations independently. “Depending on how cases proceed, anyone can make predictions. Some may think bail will be granted, others may think it will not. These are guesses – sometimes right, sometimes wrong. But if anyone claims such predictions are influenced by authorities, that amounts to contempt of court.”