Rumour mongering via e-mail, SMS

RUMOUR mongers have started sending e-mail and SMS saying "Colombo is under threat" to instigate fear among the public. Several SMS and e-mail users told the Daily News that such warnings have increased during this week and they are unable to locate the sources of these messages.

"The LTTE will mount a massive attack soon in Colombo on Security Forces or an important Government location. This is not a joke. Stop loitering here and there unnecessarily," was what one e-mail message said.

Another message said "World Trade Centre attack imminent". Some messages even said that the information is based on reliable intelligence reports.

Some e-mail users said the authorities should act promptly to stop spreading of such rumours and take action against the culprits as it is clear that the motive of the rumour mongers is to unsettle public minds.