Colombo: No decision has been made to remove armed forces troops assigned to temples or places of worship, the Ministry of Defence stated, denying circulating false news on social media. The ministry emphasized that there is no move to withdraw armed forces personnel stationed at these sites across the country.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the allegations are unfounded as the government has not decided to pull back troops assigned for security duties at religious sites. The categorical denial was made during a special press briefing conducted by Colonel Nalin Herath, Director Media and Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence. The briefing also featured Major General Rasika Kumara, Director General Media and Spokesman of Sri Lanka Army, and Colonel Dumil Pathirana, Deputy Director Project of Civil Defence Force, who reiterated the commitment to maintaining security at these locations.