Mahavira Week and Prabhakaran`s birthday made headlines in the media in the previous week. While some posts have a factual basis, some posts are misleading. Here, we are fact-checking some misleading claims of social media.
Social Media Posts
Social media posts showed a photo of a giant cake with Prabhakaran’s image, which was said to depict a secret birthday celebration of Prabhakaran in Sri Lanka on 26th November
Fact-Check
Context of Tamil Mahaweer Day and Prabhakaran’s Birthday
Tamil Mahaweer Day (November 21–27) is a period during which Tamil communities commemorate fallen combatants, including those from the LTTE.
November 26, the birthday of late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, is observed by some individuals and groups, often secretly, as the LTTE is banned in Sri Lanka.
Public displays of LTTE-related symbols, such as flags or images of Prabhakaran, are illegal under Sri Lankan law.
Analysis of the Viral Image
Reverse Image Search: Our investigation traced the image to 2018 when it was reported that Jaffna University students held a secret celebration of Prabhakaran’s 64th birthday.
The cake in the image displays the number “64,” which corresponds to Prabhakaran’s age in 2018.
Mainstream media, including the Sunday Times, reported the 2018 incident, confirming the connection between the image and that year.
2024 Context
While Prabhakaran’s birthday is still privately observed in some areas, such events are not widely publicized due to legal constraints.
Former MP M.K. Sivajilingam reportedly commemorated Prabhakaran’s birthday at Prabhakaran`s home this year. However, public celebrations avoid LTTE-related symbols to comply with legal restrictions.
The Sri Lankan government reiterated its stance against the display of LTTE flags and Prabhakaran’s images. Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala expressed these views in a recent meeting.
Meanwhile, cabinet media spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government does not have any issues related to the celebrations of loved ones of the Tamil people during the Mahavir week. However, he emphasises that the government does not allow misuse of this freedom. If there are any LTTE celebrations, the law will be enforced against the people who are breaking the prevailing laws in the country.
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Conclusion
The viral photo is not from 2024 but from 2018. It shows an event at Jaffna University where students secretly celebrated Prabhakaran’s 64th birthday.
While Prabhakaran’s birthday continues to be observed in some areas, the claim that the image is from a recent 2024 event is false.
Title:Misleading Images Becoming Viral Related to Nov 26, Prabhakaran`s Birthday
Written By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: Misleading
