More insight has now been shed on a suspicious BOT operation aiming to stoke racism among Sri Lankan users and create distrust between communities.

This first caught attention when a news item appeared on well-known journalist Azam Ameen's Facebook page on the crash of the Sri Lanka Air Force training craft last evening drew “funny reactions” from a number of Facebook profiles created with Muslim names. It was evident that most of them were fake accounts and their intention was to post inappropriate reactions to a news item deeply sensitive to the hearts many Sri Lankans.

Prasad Perera, a social media analyst, commenting on Twitter explained how the “BOT operation” would stoke racism among Sri Lankan Facebook users. “When the post get trends with so many post engagement with ‘haha’ fake reactions, people start noticing it on their wall. This is how FB algorithm works. Then they are curious and come to judgments and assumptions. Sleeping cells are watching the scene. Bots are active!” he saod.

Then these blog posts, FB posts and group attacks start based on the original news creator Azam Ameen‘s ethnicity, religion or personality. And the BOT game continues,” he added.

Meanwhile, another social media analyst and activist who wished to remain anonymous said it was important to probe the individuals who first launched attacks on Azzam Ameen based on the ‘haha’ reactions. “They might lead you to some vital information on who’s behind the BOT operation,” he added.