Student, Principal Granted Bail Over AI-Manipulated Images of Schoolgirls

The Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to a student and a school principal in connection with an incident where photographs of three schoolgirls were allegedly manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to create indecent images.

The student, who attends a well-known school in Nikaweratiya, was arrested along with the school’s principal following an investigation by the Nikaweratiya Divisional Crime Investigation Unit. Police said the case came to light after a complaint was lodged by the school’s Old Boys’ Association.

According to police investigations, the student had obtained photographs of three female classmates aged 14 and 15, and used AI-based digital tools to alter them into indecent images. The manipulated photos were later found stored on the student’s smartphone.

Investigations revealed that the principal had taken possession of the student’s phone but failed to report the matter to the police, allegedly attempting to settle the incident internally. Police stated that the device remained in the principal’s possession for over a month.

The suspects were produced in court under Sections 286, 346, and 361 of the Penal Code. Each was released on a Rs. 100,000 cash bail and Rs. 1 million personal bail, with the court ordering the sureties to be close relatives. The case is to be called again on 23 October.

Police have continued investigations under the supervision of Chief Inspector Ruwan Chaminda, Officer-in-Charge of the Nikaweratiya Divisional Crime Investigation Unit.

The Police stated that the public can report crimes by calling 0112 381 045 or sending an email to dir.cid@police.gov.lk.

Additionally, a public complaint desk has been established at the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Division to allow anyone to easily submit complaints directly. Complaints can be made via email at cwb.online@police.gov.lk, through the emergency hotline 109, or by calling 0112 444 444.

Incidents related to cybercrime can also be reported to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) by calling 101.