The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public of AI-generated fake videos circulating online that feature President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and several other prominent figures, Newswire reported.
In a statement, the agency said the deepfake videos are being used as part of financial scams, falsely depicting leaders and celebrities encouraging people to invest money in return for promised gains. The deceptive content also misuses the images of sportsmen and other notable personalities, SLCERT said, citing complaints received.
In addition to fraudulent investment schemes, similar AI-generated material has been used to spread false information about employment opportunities, the economy and tax policies, the team said.
SLCERT cautioned that the videos often contain links directing viewers to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data and money. Officials urged the public not to follow such links or share sensitive information, stressing that the scams pose a serious risk to online safety, and advised consumers to remain vigilant and avoid becoming victims of false information and online fraud schemes.
Thursday’s notice is the first time SLCERT has named both the President and the Prime Minister together as deepfake-impersonation targets in an investment-scam alert. The Prime Minister’s Office issued its own warning over AI-edited videos of Dr. Amarasuriya on May 27, citing fabricated posts about economic and jobs claims; SLCERT previously confirmed a scam video falsely linking former cricketer Kumar Sangakkara to an investment scheme, and in June flagged a fresh impersonation of Inland Revenue officials demanding tax payments through fake links.
The agency’s 360-degree online financial fraud advisory issued ahead of the Vesak and Poson holiday season flagged a sustained uptick in investment scams and impersonation attacks. SLCERT operates the national CERT mandate under the Information and Communication Technology Agency framework.
