A misleading video has been circulating on social media, falsely depicting Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, as saying, “We are destroying the country’s children with all our might.” The video, which has been edited, is being shared widely across various platforms, causing concern among the public during this sensitive election period.
According to a fact-check done by FactCrescendo- Sri Lanka, The original footage, from which the edited clip was derived, actually shows Premadasa stating his commitment to combating extremist terrorism and drug trafficking. His exact words were, “We will completely destroy the extremist terrorism in this country and we will certainly bring the final fate to the drug dealers who are destroying the country’s future, children, and future generations.” This edited version of the video distorts the context and meaning of his statement, turning it into a misleading and damaging piece of misinformation.
As elections approach, such manipulations are becoming increasingly common, and they pose a significant risk to the democratic process. Voters and social media users are urged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of content before sharing it online. Political misinformation, especially in the form of edited videos, can create confusion, spread false narratives, and potentially influence voter behavior.
In these times of heightened political activity, social media users are reminded to be cautious, stay informed, and avoid spreading fake or edited videos. It is essential to rely on verified information from credible sources to make well-informed decisions.
