Unravelling The Misinformation Trends in Sri Lanka (2023)!

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As an IFCN (International Fact-Checking Network) certified organisation, Fact Crescendo played a pivotal role in combatting misinformation and disinformation narratives in Sri Lanka throughout the year 2023, producing over 750 articles in Sinhala, English & Tamil.

Through rigorous fact-checking endeavours, our team managed to unravel the truth behind impactful and viral claims and provide the public with accurate and insightful information.

This article highlights the significant trends observed in the misinformation landscape, shedding light on the challenges Sri Lanka faced regarding economic recovery, political narratives, healthcare information, and global events.

Fact Crescendo's commitment to truth and accuracy has been instrumental in dispelling falsehoods, contributing to a more informed and resilient society. Below are key insights from our fact-checking efforts, revealing the intricate tapestry of misinformation prevailing in Sri Lanka in 2023.

Misinformation Landscape Analysis in Sri Lanka (2023)

1. Economic Recovery Challenges

1.1 Continuation of 2021-2022 Economic Crisis : Sri Lanka's persistent efforts toward economic recovery faced ongoing challenges in 2023.

1.2 Impact on Cost of Living : The populace grappled with the enduring repercussions of the economic crisis, particularly in relation to the high cost of living.

2. Misinformation Related to Economic Crisis

2.1 Targeting Economic Policies

2.1.1 Embarkation Tax Controversy

Here is a fact check on false claims circulated on social media regarding a new embarkation tax caused unnecessary panic. In reality, it was a minor adjustment to existing fees. Similarly, here's another fact-check misinterpreting the commodity levies on various food items.

Misleading posts spread misinformation about the extension of a special commodity levy on imported fruits like apples, falsely portraying it as a new imposition by the government. The fact check can be read here.

2.1.2 False Reports on Company Operations

Misleading posts falsely asserted major companies like Mitsubishi Motors and prominent apparel manufacturers were leaving Sri Lanka. Fact-checking dispelled these unfounded claims.

2.1.3 Distorted Food Insecurity Statistics

Social media misrepresented severe food insecurity statistics, exaggerating the number of affected families. The reality was far less dire, with accurate figures contradicting the misinformation. This fact check can be read here

With the government's decision to import eggs from India, misleading claims about plastic eggs continued to get widely shared in Sri Lanka. One of our fact checks on some of such misleading claims can be read here.

2.1.4 Misinformation campaigns targeting CEB, Oil & Gas Companies & Officials

A misinformation wave claimed widespread electricity disconnections due to unpaid bills. Our investigation revealed the claims were exaggerated in a misleading manner.

Unsubstantiated claims surfaced about SINOPEC, the new entrants to Sri Lanka's domestic fuel sales business.

False claims went viral claiming to be Litro Gas company was rejecting domestic gas cylinders based on handle markings!

3. Political & Prominent Figures Targetted by Misinformation Campaigns

3.1 Targets and Impact

3.1.1 Political Figures under Fire

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake were among the most targeted politicians in 2023.

3.1.2 Trends in Political Misinformation

Similarly, the government with SLPP majority, main opposition (SJB), and NPP were frequently targeted political parties. Especially towards the end of 2023, cooperative societies led by NPP were particularly vulnerable to misinformation campaigns, which can be read here and here.

3.1.3 Pro NPP Misinformation

Pro-NPP misinformation campaigns gained traction, including a few instances where certain infographics claiming to be survey results suggested a high probability of NPP securing more than 50% of the votes in upcoming national elections and attributing them to reputed research organizations. A related fact check can be read here and here.

3.1.4 Prominent Personnel & Aragalaya Activists at the receiving end of fake campaigns.

Some other individuals highly targeted through misinformation as well as smear campaigns on social media in 2023 included US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and Former President of BASL, President's Counsel Saliya Pieris.

In another notable trend, some key activists of Aragalaya faced a series of disinformation campaigns on social media throughout 2023, one instance seen here. Aragalaya, known for its influential protests, played a pivotal role in the resignation of former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, ultimately leading to the end of the Rajapaksa-led government back in 2022.

4. Medical and COVID-19 Misinformation

4.1 Spread of Unverified Medical Claims

Misinformation proliferated in the realm of medical remedies, particularly for severe diseases like cancer, contributing to public confusion. However, most of these methods lack scientific backing. Such articles can be found here, here and here.

4.2 COVID-19 Misinformation Landscape

While COVID-19-related misinformation was relatively subdued due to a lower prevalence. Yet some of the conspiracy theories related to vaccines and new COVID-19 variants continued to get viral in 2023. Some explainers and fact checks produced by our team in this regard can be read here, here and here.

5. International Affairs and Misinformation

5.1 Impact of Global Events

The Sri Lankan social media space witnessed an influx of misinformation related to the Palestine-Israel war, highlighting the interconnected nature of misinformation narratives.

6. Sports Misinformation

6.1 Targeting Sri Lanka Cricket

Misinformation campaigns gained momentum, notably targeting Sri Lanka cricket players amidst the team's struggles in the much anticipated ICC ODI Cricket World Cup. After India's loss in the ODI World Cup final, many falsehoods targeting the Indian team went viral in Sri Lanka as well.

7. AI-Related Misinformation Landscape

7.1 Limited Impact in Sri Lanka

Despite being a significant force in international misinformation circles, AI-related impactful misinformation remained relatively low in Sri Lanka in 2023. However, social media users were often misled, especially as a result of viral AI-related images. A few instances are here, here and here.

8. Various Scams & Online Frauds

As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with economic hardships and increased cost of living, a number of financial scams conducted via online means were reported throughout 2023, and Factcrescendo Sri Lanka updated on tips on how to identify such fraudulent activities.

An in-depth analysis of the misinformation landscape in Sri Lanka in 2023 reveals a complex web of challenges spanning economic recovery, political narratives, health-related misinformation, and the interplay of global events. Robust fact-checking efforts and public awareness initiatives played a critical role in dispelling falsehoods and fostering a more informed society.

We look forward to your valued support in 2024 as well in combatting viral misinformation in Sri Lanka and if you come across any suspicious photos, videos, text posts, articles etc. please forwards the same via WhatsApp to +94771514696