The Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday strongly condemned fraudulent cryptocurrency advertisements currently being circulated on Facebook and Instagram, falsely featuring Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other well-known Sri Lankan figures.
“These deceptive ads, operated by foreign entities, aim to mislead the public and exploit the trust associated with prominent personalities,” the statement said.
Investigations have revealed that the scam campaigns originate from fraudulent accounts based in Lithuania, specifically targeting Sri Lankan Facebook users. Similar misleading ads have recently featured Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena, and journalists Amantha Perera and Sunanda Deshapriya, among others.
The Prime Minister’s Office has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering online advertisements promoting cryptocurrency investments, particularly those falsely claiming endorsements from government officials and public figures.
“No government official or ministry has endorsed any cryptocurrency investment scheme,” the statement emphasized.
Despite repeated reports and removal requests, variations of these fraudulent advertisements continue to appear on social media, raising concerns over Facebook’s inability to effectively curb online scams. The Prime Minister’s Office has called upon Meta (Facebook’s parent company) to take immediate and stronger action to protect Sri Lankan users from financial fraud.
Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe
- Do not engage with or click on suspicious ads claiming endorsements from public figures.
- Report fraudulent advertisements directly on Facebook and Instagram.
- Verify financial opportunities through legitimate sources before investing.
The Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from online fraud and will continue working with relevant authorities to combat this growing threat. It also urged media organizations and digital platforms to act responsibly in curbing the spread of misinformation and scams.
For official government updates, citizens are advised to follow the Prime Minister’s Office’s website and official social media channels.
