{"id":205438,"date":"2019-10-11T17:09:02","date_gmt":"2019-10-11T11:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=205438"},"modified":"2019-10-11T17:09:02","modified_gmt":"2019-10-11T11:39:02","slug":"namals-media-coordinator-behind-fb-fake-news-campaign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/namals-media-coordinator-behind-fb-fake-news-campaign\/","title":{"rendered":"Namal\u2019s Media Coordinator Behind FB Fake News Campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"

Namal Rajapaksa\u2019s staff member Kelum Priyankara is the mastermind behind a massive fake news operation targeting SLPP\u2019s political opponents, Colombo Telegraph can reveal.<\/p>\n

Kelum Priyankara holds the official title of media coordinator to Namal Rajapaksa<\/strong><\/span><\/a> the MP from Hambantota. His uncle Gotabaya Rajapaksa<\/span><\/strong><\/a> is running for president in the November 16 election.<\/p>\n

Priyankara is the originator of a series of fake news posts claiming UNF candidate Sajith Premadasa<\/span><\/strong><\/a> slaughtered seven pregnant elephants in Habarana to fulfill a vow after he won the candidacy of the UNP.<\/p>\n

On Thursday (10) soon after Premadasa\u2019s rally at Galle Face, Priyankara circulated images on Facebook claiming that a man standing behind the UNP candidate was Dr Shafi<\/span><\/strong><\/a> who performed sterilisations. The same post also ridiculed Premadasa for being childless.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The young MP from Hambantota prides himself on a cosmopolitan outlook and regularly chastises the UNP and other parties for spreading fake news and misinformation. However, one of the biggest generators of misinformation is a well-entrenched staff member within his own fold.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kelum Priyankara and Gotabaya Rajapaksa<\/p><\/div>\n

Kelum Priyankara was once also questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department over a complaint made by UNP MP Gayantha Karunatilleka, also on the grounds that he spread fake news about Karunatilleka putting promotional labels on flood relief items. However to date he remains a member of Namal Rajapaksa\u2019s staff.\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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