{"id":16000,"date":"2025-09-22T04:46:54","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T04:46:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srilanka.factcrescendo.com\/english\/?p=16000"},"modified":"2025-09-22T04:46:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T04:46:56","slug":"fake-statement-attributed-to-mp-lakmali-linked-to-ex-prez-en","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srilanka.factcrescendo.com\/english\/fake-statement-attributed-to-mp-lakmali-linked-to-ex-prez-en\/","title":{"rendered":"Fake statement attributed to MP Lakmali\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our WhatsApp Channel <\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\u00a0\n\n\n\n

The President\u2019s Entitlement (Repeal) Act and the curtailment of the privileges of former presidents have been a significant topic during the past few weeks on social media platforms. A series of viral posts claims that NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra stated that laboratories for a thousand schools would be built with funds initially intended for former Presidents over the next year. Let\u2019s look at the claim first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media Posts :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A social media featuring the Asian Mirror logo stated that MP Lakmali Hemachandra had issued a statement claiming, \u201cWith the money initially allocated for next year to spend on former presidents, we will build 1000 new technology laboratories for 1000 schools within a year.\u201d<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook<\/a> | Archived Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another Facebook user posted the same social media post without the Asian Mirror logo as mentioned below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook<\/a> | Archived Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was also observed that many people have believed it to be true and have commented on it. We took steps to investigate the credibility of these posts.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fact Check :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, we investigated whether any mainstream media had reported that MP Lakmali Hemachandra had made such a statement. However, none of the mainstream media had reported on such news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fabricated post using the Asian Mirror!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We checked the Asian Mirror Facebook page (English) and noticed that the social media posts were similar in format to the English posts on the Asian Mirror. However, the said post cannot be seen on the Asian Mirror page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actual post published <\/a> on October 10th was related to a statement made by the MP, “No Provision to Remove Fmr Presidents\u2019 Security \u2013 Lakmali Hemachandra.\u201d The post also included a link to the relevant news<\/a>. Archived<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowhere in that article is there a mention of the provision of new technology labs for 1000 schools within a year, with the money allocated for the former President\u2019s expenditure next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The web article had actually reported about a statement made by MP Lakmali Hemachandra during a parliamentary session. You can refer to the complete statement here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accordingly, the viral post circulating on social media appears to be an edited version of a post published on the Asian Mirror Facebook page regarding the security of former presidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Response of the MP Lakmali Hemachandra<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, we also inquired with MP Lakmali Hemachandra regarding the viral post. The MP confirmed that she never made such a statement and that it is falsely constructed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

President\u2019s Entitlement (Repeal) Act, No. 18 of 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The President\u2019s Entitlement (Repeal) Act, No. 18 of 2025<\/a>, came into force on the 10th<\/sup> September, and as a result, many of the privileges enjoyed by former presidents and widows of former presidents will no longer be available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The privileges that are no longer to be provided or paid for the implementation of this Act are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n