Viral Image Claiming Bridge Collapse Near Peradeniya University is False

Sri Lanka has been experiencing severe weather conditions for around a few days. However, misleading social media posts about property damages are being spread on social media. 

Social Media Posts 

Amid severe weather conditions affecting Sri Lanka, a viral image on social media claims to depict a collapsed or sunken bridge near the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya, located on the Kandy -Gampola road. Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka investigated the claim to determine its accuracy.

FB | Archived 

Posts can be seen in WhatsApp also. 

We decided to do a fact-check on this. 

Fact Check 

What We Found

1. Reverse Image Search Analysis

A reverse image search of the viral photo revealed that it had been shared in social media posts with different narratives. One such post claimed the bridge collapse occurred in a location near Polonnaruwa, contradicting the claim linking it to the Peradeniya area.

2. Verifying Authentic News Reports

To verify the image’s origin and context, we referred to reliable news sources. A video report published by News First on November 25, 2024, confirmed the incident occurred on the road between Aralaganwila and Maduruoya, not near the University of Peradeniya.

The report indicated that heavy rains in the region caused a bridge to sink, making the Aralaganwila-Maduruoya road temporarily impassable. Local authorities closed the road for public safety, and repair efforts are underway.

3. No Reports from Peradeniya or Kandy -Gampola Road

Our investigation found no credible reports or evidence of a bridge collapse near the Peradeniya University Engineering Faculty or along the Kandy-Gampola road. We asked from the Peradeniya Police station about that and they confirmed that no damage happened to a bridge near Pera engineering faculty.

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Conclusion

The viral image claiming to show a collapsed bridge near the Peradeniya University Faculty of Engineering is false. The image actually depicts a damaged bridge on the Aralaganwila-Maduruoya road, as confirmed by reliable news sources. We urge the public to verify information through credible channels and refrain from spreading misinformation during this critical period of severe weather.