Subscribe to our WhatsApp Channel
A claim circulating widely on social media alleged that a vehicle convoy belonging to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa was attacked at a fuel station in Rajagiriya. Here is our investigation into the accuracy of that claim.
Social Media Posts
Social media posts claimed that yesterday (18th March), a vehicle convoy belonging to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa was hooted at and came under a stone pelting attack at a fuel station near the Rajagiriya flyover.
Below are several additional posts circulated under this same claim.
We conducted a thorough investigation to verify the accuracy of these claims.
Fact Check
If a convoy belonging to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, had come under a stone attack, it would have been prominently reported by the country’s major media outlets. However, our preliminary investigation found no such reports in any mainstream media. Furthermore, despite claims circulating on social media, there is not a single photo or video showing the alleged attack, any damaged vehicles, or scenes of unrest. This absence raises significant questions about the credibility of these viral claims. Moreover, although some of the posts claim to include video footage, no such evidence has been presented to date.
Rajagiriya Police Station
Furthermore, if such an incident had occurred, it would have been reported to the police. To verify whether any vehicles were damaged or any individuals were arrested, we contacted the Rajagiriya Police Station.
A police officer from the Welikada Police Station confirmed that no such stone attack on a convoy near the Rajagiriya fuel station had been reported. They also noted that two police officers are stationed at the fuel station for security, and they too confirmed that no such incident took place.
Rajagiriya Fuel Station
To further verify these claims, we contacted the owner of the Rajagiriya K.D.U.S. Perera CEYPETCO fuel station over the phone. He confirmed that no clashes occurred within the premises of the fuel station on the 18th. He also stated that he was not aware of whether any stone attack took place outside the fuel station targeting Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s vehicle.
Shops near the Rajagiriya fuel station
We also spoke with several shop owners near the Rajagiriya fuel station, asking whether any clash occurred at the location yesterday or whether they had witnessed any stone pelting incident. They confirmed that they neither observed nor heard of any such incident.
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa
We also sought a response from Minister Nalinda Jayatissa regarding the claims circulating on social media. The Minister categorically stated that the reports are false, explaining that he travels in a single vehicle rather than a convoy with security vehicles.
He further noted that he is aware of those responsible for spreading such misinformation and confirmed that a complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department against the group disseminating these false claims.
Join us to stay informed and explore the details of our investigations
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Google News | TikTok
Conclusion
Our investigation finds that the social media claims alleging that a convoy carrying Minister Nalinda Jayatissa came under a stone pelting attack near the Rajagiriya flyover fuel station on the 18th are false. There is no evidence to support such an incident, and the Rajagiriya Police have also confirmed that no such clash or attack has been reported.
Title: Stone Pelting on Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s Vehicle? Find out the truth.
Fact Check By: Pavithra Sandamali
Result: False
