The violent clash between two groups of inmates at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, 2026, a crisis that left 26 people dead with dozens hospitalised<\/a>, set off a wave of public anger. Bad actors moved to exploit that volatile moment for political and personal ends, floating doctored cards dressed up as TV and newspaper bulletins that put words in the mouths of the President, several ministers, a senior journalist and an opposition figure. We investigated each one. Here is what we found.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Social Media Posts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Claim 1: Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara’s Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Presented as an official ITN News bulletin, a post claimed Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara had said, \u201cI bear no responsibility for what happened at Negombo Prison; government officials are there to manage such matters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook<\/a> | Archived Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact-Check:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The statement is entirely fabricated and doctored. In reality, speaking to the media after the clash, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara officially said he takes full responsibility for the incident, since the institution falls under his purview. He stressed that he was deeply distressed by the loss of life and had ordered an immediate investigation with a report to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/srilanka.factcrescendo.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-13-1.png\")
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