The letter purportedly written by Sajith to Anura, suggesting June 31st as a debate date, is fake.

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The upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka is expected to take place this year, sparking discussions about potential debates between the main political parties of the opposition. The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and National Peoples Power (NPP), hold differing views on various issues, prompting calls for debates to be a focal point in Sri Lankan politics. This debate proposition encompasses two key aspects: one involving a debate between the leaders of the two parties, SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the NPP, and another featuring economic councils from both parties discussing strategies to address the country's economic crisis and foster improvement.

Against this backdrop, NPP national executive committee member Nalinda Jayatissa recently communicated to SJB general secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, expressing NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake's readiness to debate Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on May 7, 9, 13, or 14, leaving the choice of date to the Opposition Leader's discretion.

Social Media Posts

Meanwhile, a letter is circulating on social media purportedly from the opposition leader responding to Anura Kumara. The letter claims that Sajith Premadasa expresses willingness to engage in a debate. However, he clarifies that he cannot accommodate the proposed dates in May due to prior commitments involving discussions with global economic experts. Premadasa suggests June 31st as a suitable date for the debate with Anura Kumara.

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We decided to do a fact check to see whether the letter is genuine.

Fact Check

The letter circulated on social media, purportedly written by Sajith Premadasa, proposing June 31st as a debate date, has been confirmed to be fake. This misinformation has been addressed by Sajith Premadasa's media secretary, who stated that no such letter was issued by Sajith Premadasa or his office. Furthermore, June only has 30 days, making June 31st an impossibility.

Context

NPP national executive committee member Nalinda Jayatissa sent a letter to SJB general secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara proposing debate dates between Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa.

Sajith Premadasa responded to the letter, expressing readiness for a debate while attending an event today(April 23) at a school in Hambantota district (Listen between 1 hour 17 minutes- 1 hour 19 minutes)

Sajith Premadasa's readiness for a debate was confirmed by his media secretary, who addressed the issue of the fake letter and emphasized that Sajith Premadasa is indeed open to participating in debates.

Sajith Premadasa suggested both debates (leader-level and economic council-level) could be held in May.

NPP's economic council is accused of skipping the debate by Sajith.

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