A Group of supporters from the Anuradhapura region recently visited former president Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Wijerama residence. Most of them brought different food items, and a discussion arose on social media as to whether these were discarded for security concerns. Let\u2019s look at some of the viral posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social Media Posts :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A group of supporters, including Theros, had come from Anuradhapura to Mahinda Rajapaksa\u2019s Wijerama residence to check on his well-being. Below are some social media posts regarding it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Claim 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A post was circulated with the tag of the \u2018IRI\u2019 Facebook page, with the caption, \u201cThe food that was brought to Mahinda Rajapaksa, including curd, was thrown away in the municipal garbage truck for security reasons: says the former president\u2019s media unit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is the same post in English, questioning why they couldn\u2019t have given the food to those in need instead of discarding it in this manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook<\/a> | Archived Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Claim 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another post was published stating that a person who had visited former president Mahinda Rajapaksa made a statement, and that it was broadcast on Hiru TV News. It was shared with the caption, \u201cThey showed us all of Colombo. Sent us on a bus home. Gave oranges from Kurunegala, sweets from Kadawatha Sweet House. They also gave us Rs. 5000 each with food and drinks. We also visited the Lotus Tower. We met Mr. Mahinda. We pay our tribute to Mr. Tissa Kutti.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook<\/a> | Archived Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Claim 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another post circulating on social media claims that former MP Tissa Kuttiarachchi has told the press, \u201cThere is no distrust among the people. We threw away the curd because of worms\u201d. <\/strong>It was shared as if the news was broadcast through Derana News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook<\/a> | Archived Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We investigated the accuracy of these posts through the following process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact Check :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n None of the mainstream media outlets had reported on any statement issued by the former president’s media unit claiming that food items were discarded for security reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verification of Claim 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The viral posts mentioned that the statement was made by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s media unit. Therefore, we contacted Mahinda Rajapaksa’s current spokesperson, Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stated that this is an entirely false statement and that Mahinda Rajapaksa would never throw away food items that his supporters have lovingly brought to him. He also emphasised that since he is the current media spokesperson for Mahinda Rajapaksa, the fact that a statement he never made was attributed to him further confirms that the statement is false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He further commented on this…..<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfnqWSg_UHwR-gKK_UWTNPKcfjAPf9_i3tSvAY3Y63MfNXZK8aqlBdKDyF6QBQ035J9jSUIiQLymHhoJtMnV4cOXMmolQZGH0tlZ0CdAE2d15eLfon5FU826bWSidJzA28aP302q5kcLI6ukt9K7uA?key=yhnmcgfTUVfiQuow8r2amw\")
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