July 20, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Labour has firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Prananthu had proposed banning religious pilgrimages to Dambadiva and Thailand, describing the allegations as completely false.

In a statement issued to clarify the matter, the Ministry said the Minister had never made such remarks and stressed that the claims being shared online were entirely fabricated.

According to the Ministry, the misleading reports appear to be part of a deliberate disinformation campaign aimed at creating unnecessary public concern and damaging religious harmony. Officials alleged that the false narrative is being promoted by individuals or groups pursuing narrow political agendas.

The Ministry expressed strong condemnation of what it described as an irresponsible attempt to mislead the public, warning that the spread of false information on sensitive religious issues could undermine social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Reaffirming its position, the Ministry urged the public not to rely on unverified claims circulating on social media and encouraged people to seek information only from official Government sources before sharing or acting on such reports.

“We strongly reject and regret the circulation of this false propaganda, which serves no purpose other than to mislead the public and create unnecessary division,” the Ministry said in its statement.