Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has assigned a special team to take stern action against those who spread false news on social media.

Rohana said this false news could vary from COVID19-related matters to other sensitive issues concerning the public.

The government has come under intense criticism fior suppression of information during the pandemic. The Health Services Director General has banned health officials from speaking to the media on matters concerning the pandemic control.