Short shrift for bogus SMSs

Phone service providers may bar SMSs (Short Message Services) for a certain period if unnecessary public fear is created through text messages prior to national events or emergency situations, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) said.

TRC Director General Priyantha Kariyapperuma said all operators were equipped to act immediately in emergency situations.“This is simply due to the understanding between the phone service providers. There were many text messages which were going around creating unnecessary public fear. The TRC works closely with these operators and they are ready to support and take preventive measures in situations like this,” he said.

Media Centre for National Security chief Lakshman Hulugalle said this decision was taken mainly due to security reasons to prevent false SMSs floating around the country during National Day celebrations.

“The service providers decided to stop the service for six hours. It’s difficult to predict anything but if there is an important national event and if these kinds of fake text messages are circulating it is better to take this kind of measure,” said Mr. Hulugalle.