This rumour was circulating around via Messaging apps in January 2021 as well. It appears that the rumour had been based on a letter issued by the Officer in Charge (OIC) of Narahenpita Police Station, warning of increased criminal activities due to the prisoners who were released as a step to reduce overcrowding in prisons, to combat COVID-19. At that time also the credibility of the letter was questioned as no proper evidence as to the rise in criminal activities were given, and as it did not appear that other OICs across the country had issued a similar notice. Most likely this rumour has now become one of those recurring messages that get circulated via Messaging apps.