Many false and misleading social media posts related to various social themes, including politics, elections, health, the economy, and current affairs both locally and internationally, were circulated throughout 2025. By carefully analysing the background of these posts, the Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka team published more than one thousand fact checking reports during the year, including 518 in Sinhala, 262 in Tamil, and 306 in English.
Based on these fact checking reports, tens of thousands of false or misleading posts shared on Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, were reviewed and rated. Through this process, the accuracy and truthfulness of millions of similar posts were explained to the public.
During the past year, our team also published several clarifications, presented as Insights, on topical issues that had the potential to mislead the public and therefore required further explanation, even in instances where they were not formally rated.
In addition, steps were taken to provide the public with factual information to counter misinformation through our social media platforms, including the daily publication of short explanatory videos. These efforts received a significant response from readers across Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Accordingly, as we enter the year 2026, the following is a compilation of fact checking investigations conducted from January to December under the main disinformation themes related to fake and misleading social media posts that were widely discussed in society throughout 2025.
January
As the new government approaches 100 days in office, false and misleading posts have been circulating on social media regarding whether the presidential administration has fulfilled its promises, as well as what it has done and not done since January. Several fact checking investigations have been conducted in this regard.
Claims circulated regarding the President’s statement that the economic crisis would end within 100 days. Although President Anura stated that the country had zero foreign reserves at the time he assumed office, data analysis showed that this claim was misleading, as Sri Lanka had foreign reserves amounting to approximately USD 6 billion at that time.
Claims circulated on social media stating that an agreement had been reached to provide free bus services to the country or to waive fine interest during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s official visit to China are inaccurate.
No official agreement or understanding has been reached on either providing free bus services or waiving fine interest, according to available information. There is no confirmation from official government sources to support these claims.
It was investigated that there was no increase in the price of textbooks after the new government came to power and that the existing prices had also decreased.
The news published in the Silumina newspaper that salaries in 10 professions in the public service will be increased from January 1, 2025, is not a news item published recently or after the current government came to power, but is a news item published in the Silumina newspaper even before the last presidential election, that is, on August 31, 2024.
A salary increments in 10 professions from January 1st, 2025?
February
Social media posts alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake travelled to Jaffna in February using three helicopters. This claim was subjected to fact-checking, including inquiries made with the relevant authorities. Official confirmation established that the President travelled to Jaffna by road, and no helicopter transport was used for that visit.
How did President Anura Kumara go to Jaffna?
Claims also emerged online regarding the 77th National Independence Day celebrations, suggesting that the national anthem was sung in Tamil for the first time during this year’s event. However, a review of past Independence Day ceremonies shows that, under previous administrations, the national anthem has been performed in both Sinhala and Tamil, disproving assertions that this practice is unprecedented.
Questions were raised on social media regarding whether the national anthem can be performed in the Tamil language. However, constitutional and historical context confirms that the national anthem may be sung in both Sinhala and Tamil, and this practice has been observed on several official occasions in the past.
Is it not possible to sing the national anthem in Tamil?
Meanwhile, claims circulated online alleging that a discussion held in the United States involving the DOGE Institute and USAID had disclosed the identities of Sri Lankan politicians who allegedly received financial assistance. A review of available records and official sources found no verified documentation or statements confirming that any such list of individual Sri Lankan political figures was revealed. Accordingly, the assertion that names were officially disclosed for political funding purposes is unsubstantiated.
DOGE has not revealed the names of Sri Lankan politicians or public figures who had received USAID funds!
Social media users also claimed that the 2025 budget proposal presented in February included a monthly salary increment of Rs. 20,000 for public sector employees. However, budget documents indicate otherwise. The proposal outlines an increase of Rs. 8,250 to the minimum monthly salary, scheduled to be implemented in three separate stages, contradicting claims of a single Rs. 20,000 increase.
Did the government increase the salaries of state employees from 20,000 LKR?
In another instance, an image circulated online identifying a person as “MP Namal Rajapaksa with his driver Kajja.” Verification established that the individual shown in the photograph is not Aruna Vidanagamage, popularly known as “Kajja,” but Nuwan Lasantha Wijenayake, who currently serves as Namal Rajapaksa’s driver.
A photo of Namal Rajapaksa with ‘Kajja’?
Additionally, a CCTV image related to the murder suspect Ganemulla Sanjeewa was widely shared on social media. Following its circulation, numerous posts appeared in which individuals speculated that the image resembled various persons. These claims were based solely on visual comparison and were not supported by official confirmation.
The true story of the viral posts regarding the suspect of Ganemulla Sanjeeva murder!
March
Reports suggesting that UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake was collaborating with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya during the local government elections were false. Similarly, claims that almost all Colombo Municipal Council nominations by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna had been rejected were incorrect.
Has Ravi Karunanayake left the UNP and joined the SJB for the local government elections?
On an international level, posts claiming that the FDA had confirmed the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine causes cancer were completely false. These claims misinterpreted scientific research, relied on unsubstantiated studies, and lacked evidence linking vaccines to increased cancer rates.
FDA Did NOT Admit That Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Cause Cancer!
In 2016, a video circulated online showing young men being beheaded by the terrorist organization ISIS. The footage was misrepresented as a punishment for Pakistanis who had committed a crime in Saudi Arabia, which was false.
Footage of Pakistani men being decapitated in Saudi Arabia for raping a girl? Find out the truth…
April
Following the 7.7magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, a series of images circulated on social media claiming to show the bodies of Buddhist monks and civilians who allegedly died as a result of the disaster. However, verification confirmed that the photographs do not relate to the recent earthquake. The images were traced back to a meditation programme held in Myanmar approximately four years ago, involving Buddhist monks and lay participants, and were taken entirely out of context.
Misleading Claim Portrays Meditating Monks as Earthquake Victims
A video circulated on social media claiming to show President Anura Kumara Dissanayake travelling with a VIP security convoy was found to be misleading.Verification confirmed that the footage does not relate to the President. Instead, it shows a security rehearsal conducted in preparation for the two day official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which enhanced protective arrangements were put in place.
A VIP security convoy to escort Anura Kumara?
Social media posts have circulated claiming that Duminda Hulangamuwa of the Jana Aragala Sandha described the detention of Pillayan, also known as Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as a “very barbaric act.”
These claims suggest that Hulangamuwa, who serves as the Propaganda Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party, directly commented on Pillayan’s arrest. However, a review of his statements shows that while he has made general remarks about the PTA during media briefings following Pillayan’s arrest, he has not expressed any opinion specifically regarding Pillayan’s detention under the act.
As such, the social media posts attributing this statement to Hulangamuwa are false and misleading.
A clarification regarding the social media posts purporting to be revelations made by Pillayan, who is in the custody of CID
May
We have clarified that social media posts claiming that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya decided to step down ahead of the local government elections are false.
Similarly, prior to the death of Pope Francis on April 21, posts circulating on social media since February falsely claimed that he had passed away.
In addition, misleading posts emerged regarding the successor to Pope Francis. These posts falsely implicated the Archbishop of Sri Lanka, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, suggesting he was in line for the position, despite these claims having no basis in fact.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith among Names mentioned for “Next Pope” ?
Previous governments had imported the Papaverine Hydrochloride vaccine through a single supplier in past years without inviting competitive tenders. The supplier provided the vaccine at a higher price, even though the government was informed earlier this year that the same vaccine could be obtained at a lower cost. In this context, social media posts claiming that the Papaverine drug is now being sold at an inflated price of Rs. 84,500 are misleading. The bill shown in these posts actually refers to a different medicine, Trastuzumab 440 mg, which is normally priced at a high market rate. There has been no increase in the price of the Papaverine vaccine under the National People’s Power government.
Similarly, social media claims quoting UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena as saying, “Compass does not know politics. If it did, it would not give the medicine worth Rs. 72,000 for Rs. 320,” are false. He has not made such a statement.
We have also clarified through the Election Commission that posts circulating on social media, which indicate the percentage of votes cast in the local government elections and the parties that have won, are false and misleading.
A false report is circulating on social media claiming that the PAFFREL organization stated the local government elections were the first in history to take place without any misuse of state property.
The PAFFREL organization clarified that it has, in fact, received complaints regarding the misuse of state property. According to the Executive Director of PAFFREL, Rohana Hettiarachchi, as well as the Election Commission and election observers, such complaints have been reported but are limited to a minimal level.
PAFFREL says the 2025 local government election is the first election in which state property was not misused?
A social media post claimed that Venerable Seelarathana Thero’s Janasetha Peramuna party did not receive a single vote in this year’s local government elections, which is false.In reality, the Janasetha Peramuna won one seat in the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha in the Hambantota District, securing 686 votes in this year’s elections.
We clarified that a letter circulating on social media, allegedly signed by UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena and claiming that an agreement had been reached to appoint Sagala Ratnayake as Mayor of Colombo following discussions between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the United National Party, was fake.
Similarly, a message posted on social media in late May warning of a new Covid virus situation and advising protective measures was misleading. The message circulated widely in 2021, at a time when the Covid virus was already spreading globally.
Is a high- risk Covid 19 spreading in Sri Lanka these days?
We also confirmed that a video reported by some Indian media as a retaliatory attack by Pakistan on India was misidentified. The footage actually showed an attack on the Gaza Strip by Israel in October 2023.
The truth behind the video circulating showing Indian citizens helping a Pakistani pilot !
Finally, social media posts suggesting that BYD vehicle prices in Sri Lanka had dropped to Rs. 2 million were misleading. While BYD has reduced prices for 22 electric and plug-in hybrid models by up to 34%, this promotion applies only to the Chinese market until the end of June and does not affect vehicle prices in Sri Lanka or any other country.
June
There were also posts suggesting that permission had been granted to re-import a substandard medicine connected to former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The medicine in question, Immunoglobulin, is widely used to treat patients in Sri Lanka. After approval through a Cabinet paper, the medicine was imported from a recognized Indian supplier, not related to any controversy involving former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. Following several complaints, the National Medicines Authority temporarily halted the remaining stock. Subsequent laboratory tests conducted both locally and in India confirmed the safety of the medicine, and a panel of local specialist doctors recommended its continued use.
An explanation regarding the controvery over the Immunoglobulin drug!
We also clarified that a video circulated claiming to show the Israeli Mossad headquarters burning due to Iranian missile attacks was misidentified. The footage actually shows a fire in a building where motorcycles were parked in Chongqing, China, which occurred last week.
Video of Fire in Chinese Parking Lot Falsely Shared as Attack on Israel’s Mossad
July
Videos and images claiming to show F-35 fighter jets attacking in Iranian airspace or footage of the Israel-Iran war are AI-generated content from video games and do not depict real events.
Viral Image and Video are NOT Israeli F-35 Being Shot Down in Iran
Reports suggesting the government plans to restrict electric vehicle imports based on engine capacity are false, and no such announcement has been made.
Similarly, a photo claimed to be the final image of the Air India AI171 flight accident in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, was created using AI.
Viral Photos from Air India AI171 Crash Are Misleading and AI-Generated
Social media claims stating that drunk drivers will face fines of five lakhs or two years in prison are false. Likewise, a ticket allegedly costing Rs. 20,000 to see Shah Rukh Khan at the City of Dreams Sri Lanka hotel opening was fake.
Fake Tickets for Shah Rukh Khan’s City of Dreams Sri Lanka Inauguration Are Going Viral!
Posts suggesting that the A330-200 aircraft recently added to the SriLankan Airlines fleet was a 13–14-year-old aircraft from Garuda Indonesia are incorrect; it is a brand-new aircraft. Claims about cargo Beluga XL planes operating in Sri Lanka are also false.
Viral Image and Video are NOT Israeli F-35 Being Shot Down in Iran
Contrary to social media claims, history has not been removed from the school curriculum. Under the new reforms, history remains compulsory for grades 6-9 and part of the elective system for grades 10-11, with assessment conducted via GPA and modular credit systems rather than a national exam.
New Education Reforms: Exams Only for 7 Out of 14 Subjects in Grades 10–11
Claims that Sri Lanka was the only Asian country to negotiate tax reductions with former U.S. President Trump are misleading. While Sri Lanka secured a reduction, other countries also negotiated reciprocal tariff adjustments.
A photo circulating as the wife of astronomer CEO Andy Byron is misidentified; the woman in the image is actually social media influencer Elina Salyakhova.
Is The Woman In The Photo Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s Wife? Here’s The Truth
Reports that Sinopec first entered Sri Lanka under the National People’s Power government are false. Sinopec had agreements with Sri Lanka since 2019, including a $100 million fuel supply contract in 2023. The Hambantota refinery agreement is the largest single FDI in Sri Lanka’s history and was signed with the parent company under the current government.
Clarification on Misleading Claim of Sinopec Agreements with Sri Lanka!
Finally, claims that the Ministry of Buddhist Religious Affairs was abolished are incorrect. The ministry was renamed “Buddha Religious Affairs, Religious and Cultural Affairs” as part of the government’s ministry restructuring policy, but its functions continue as before.
Ministry related to Buddhist Affairs Continues To Operate; Despite False Abolition Claims!
August
Actor Thalapathy Vijay, who retired from acting in 2024 and entered politics, was reported to have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to return the island of Katchatheevu to India during a political rally ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu state elections. Some social media posts claimed that President Anura Kumara had banned the screening of Vijay’s films in Sri Lanka. The Film Corporation and the Presidential Media Division have confirmed that this claim is false.
Did President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued a ban on Thalapathy Vijay’s films?
In July, reports circulated suggesting that the transfer of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka to India would take place. While the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on April 2, 2025, urging the central government to reclaim the island, no agreement has been reached between the two countries regarding its transfer, and Katchatheevu remains part of Sri Lanka.
Social media claims that the government had printed Rs. 1.22 trillion in cash were also misleading. Data from the Central Bank and the World Bank confirm that this figure refers to the expansion of the broad money supply (M2b), not physical printing of currency.
No, the Government Did Not Print Rs. 1.22 Trillion Since October 2024
A Rs. 2,000 banknote featuring President Anura Kumara’s signature was shared on social media as evidence of money printing. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka clarified that this is a commemorative note issued to mark the Bank’s 75th anniversary. A total of 50 million notes have been issued, which is a small fraction of the overall currency supply and does not pose any inflationary risk, according to economists.
Additionally, photos of folders containing the eleventh series of currency notes issued by the Central Bank in 2011 have circulated, falsely suggesting that they were newly printed notes issued after the current government took office. These claims are inaccurate, as no new notes of this series were printed under the current administration.
What is the currency note that was issued with the signature of the President?
September
A news report claimed that a soldier died during the rescue operation of a bus that fell into a ravine on the Ella-Wellawaya Road, killing 15 people. In reality, no one was killed during the rescue. One soldier sustained a forehead injury while carrying an injured person, and another fell when a rope broke, but he survived.
The UNP convention scheduled for September 6 was postponed due to Ranil Wickremesinghe’s health. A letter claiming the postponement was lifted was forged. The convention was later held at the Monarch Imperial on September 20 at 9:00 AM.
Is the Anniversary Celebration of UNP Postponed?
Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne stated that the National People’s Power government had reduced Lanka Super Diesel prices by Rs. 120 since coming to power. However, official data shows the price decreased by Rs. 39 (11.08%) for Lanka Auto Diesel and Rs. 24 (7.82%) for Lanka Super Diesel from September 2024 to September 2025, making Karunaratne’s claim false.
After the Act to Remove Entitlements of Former Presidents, Mahinda Rajapaksa left his Colombo residence and returned to Carlton House in Hambantota. Social media posts claiming he had returned to Colombo were false; he stated he might return in December if needed.
Has Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa Returned Back to Colombo?
A letter allegedly sent by former First Lady Hema Premadasa requesting a residence was forged; she had handed over her official residence to the government in 2023. Claims that the Prime Minister saved two-thirds of the Ministry of Education’s budget are false; the 2024 report shows Rs. 139.6 billion of Rs. 175.1 billion was spent, leaving an unspent balance of 20%.
Fake Letter Viral As Hema Premadasa requesting a house in Colombo!
Social media claims that retirement pensions for former MPs were abolished are false; the Cabinet has approved a draft bill, but pensions remain in effect. A letter claiming UNP Kotte Municipal Council member Harshani Sandaruwani’s membership was suspended is also fake. She was arrested on September 17 for contempt of court but released on bail the same day.
Was the party membership of the UNP municipal councillor Harshani Sandaruwani suspended?
Claims that the Russian President approved global free distribution of the Enteromix cancer vaccine are false. While Russian health authorities have occasionally stated the vaccine would be provided free to domestic patients, there is no record of worldwide free distribution.
In Nepal, the government set a deadline for social media platforms to register officially on August 28 to curb fake news, hate speech, and fraud. Internet service providers blocked 26 networks, including Facebook and Instagram, leading to protests. Reports claiming that Ravi Lakshmi Chitrakar, wife of former PM Jalanat Khanal, was set on fire, or that rapper Balendra Shah became Head of State, are false.
Balendra Shah Was NOT appointed as the Prime Minister in Nepal!
Viral “Breaking News” Fire Video Shows 2023 Dhaka Market Blaze, Not Recent Incident
October
Social media posts claiming that former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran was arrested in Singapore following the arrest of organized criminal Kehelbaddara Padme are false. A nine year old video of Mahendran visiting Sri Lanka has also been circulated misleadingly.
Misleading Claim on Arrest of Arjun Mahendran!
Similarly, posts about Ishara Sewwandi, the main suspect in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder, were misleading. The six Sri Lankans arrested in Nepal were brought back through coordinated deportation under Interpol notices, not simply “arrest,” in accordance with Nepalese immigration law.
Reports misidentifying lawyer Tamara Abeyratne as the wife of municipal councilor Tharanga Weerasinghe are false. She is a former university friend of Mr. Tharanga.
Claims that the government decided to distribute free condoms to school students are incorrect. The Ministry of Health recommended age-appropriate preventive measures including condoms and PrEP/PEP for students, but the Ministry of Education has not approved such implementation in the curriculum.
Government To Distribute Free Condoms to School Children? Find out facts…
Social media posts claiming that the University of Colombo discovered a medicine that cures or kills cancer are false. Research led by Professor Sameera R. Samarakoon in 2023 involved a nutritional supplement, but it has not been proven to cure cancer.
Did the University of Colombo invent a Cancer treatment?
Notes misrepresenting appointments in the Ministry of Buddha Sasana are also false. Mohamed Munir was incorrectly claimed to be Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana; the position is held by Gamagedara Dissanayake under Minister Sunil Senevi. Videos claiming otherwise showed an unrelated individual, Ismat Maulavi. Claims that the Minister of Buddha Sasana is not a Buddhist are also false; Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi is a Buddhist.
Social media posts questioning President Anura’s official visits to Germany are misleading. The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that his visit is considered important for bilateral relations, and the user citing a lack of information did not contact official sources.
Is President Dissanayake’s visit to Germany, not an Official State Visit?
November
A video circulating online claimed that 3I/ATLAS is an alien spacecraft. NASA photos and videos confirm that this interstellar comet, first identified in July 2025, does not resemble the footage shared.
A Facebook video appearing to show Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticizing the Joint Opposition after the Samagi Jana Balawegaya withdrew from a public rally on November 21 is not recent. It is a 2016 statement made when he served as Housing Minister to the then Joint Opposition.
Social media posts claiming that the 2026 budget allocated Rs. 12,500 million solely to provide cabs to 225 MPs are misleading. The allocation also includes essential vehicles for state institutions and replacement vehicles for MPs at the end of their term.
Has Rs. 12,500 million been allocated from the budget to provide vehicles for MPs?
MP Harsha de Silva’s statements circulated online as praise for the government during the 2026 budget debate omit the context. While he acknowledged positive programs, he also raised several controversial issues, which were not reflected in the posts.
Claims that Sri Lanka Customs imposed new restrictions on several goods are false. These are minor extensions of restrictions first implemented in 2022.
Statements attributed to Minister of Science and Technology Krishantha Abeysena, suggesting the treasury and Central Bank were empty when the National People’s Power government came to power, are incorrect. Official records show the treasury held about Rs. 760.1 billion and the Central Bank had reserves of approximately $6.0 billion.
Social media claims that the car allowance for 15,000 war hero parents was suspended are misleading. The suspension was temporary due to missing biodata certificates. Beneficiaries could restore the allowance by submitting a Grama Niladhari certificate confirming they are alive.
International rumors of Imran Khan’s death are unverified and false. Both prison authorities and Pakistani government ministries have denied these claims. Until credible sources confirm otherwise, it cannot be stated that he has died.
No Evidence So Far to Confirm Claims That Imran Khan Has Died
December
In late November and early December, during the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditva, misleading information circulated on social media, spreading fear among the public. False and exaggerated reports were also shared about foreign aid, sometimes overstating the manner in which assistance was delivered. Some of these posts were politically motivated.
The photos shared showing the Gampola bodies are NOT AI-generated!
Misleading photos and videos showcasing footage of the disaster
Misleading claims about expired flood relief aid from Pakistan to Sri Lanka
A misleading post stating that not even a single iron rod was used to build the Victoria Dam
Mudslide Horror Miscast: Viral Video Falsely Tied to Sri Lanka!
AI-generated images, old photos, and footage from other countries were presented as evidence of the cyclone’s impact in Sri Lanka. A video claimed to show the “Go Home Anura” protest on December 25 was misleadingly edited, combining footage from a Colombo traffic jam during Christmas with audio recorded in August 2025 during a protest outside the Colombo Magistrate’s Court over the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Was there a public protest on Christmas Night with the slogan “Go Home Anura”? Find out the truth…
When an MP visited displaced people at the Udagama Temple security center in Laggala, a young protester remained silent during the interaction. Photos circulated online misidentifying him as a member of the MP’s party and a friend of Namal Rajapaksa. In reality, the young man, Sisira Kumara, is a member of the National People’s Power Party.
Is the Laggala incident, where a person protested against Namal Rajapaksa, a staged act?
Fake investment schemes promoted by celebrities were widely circulated throughout the year, beginning with a false report linking singer Yohani de Silva to a fraudulent investment scheme, which she denied. Similar scams using celebrity names and logos of government or private institutions were also shared, along with fake online job offers. Public awareness campaigns have sought to clarify these schemes.
Join us to explore the details about our Fact-Checking Investigations.
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Title:A reflection on the Fact Crescendo Fact- Checking Investigations that drew the most attention throughout 2025!
Fact Check By: Pavithra SandamaliResult: Insight
