The State Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an order prohibiting public servants from criticizing the Government and its policies through social media platforms.
The gag order has been issued as a fresh move by the Government to stem negative publicity against the administration.
Public servants have been warned of disciplinary action and other penalties if they violate the directive issued by the State Ministry of Home Affairs.
A circular issued in this regard, states that the measure has been taken due to complaints that Divisional Secretaries, Grama Sevaka Niladharis, Development officers among others were using social media to criticize the Government and its policies.
The Ministry says that with the help of information technology experts, already investigations are underway into comments made by certain public sector employees. (NewsWire)