False Claim Blames Coach for Damaged Javelins

A social media post falsely presented as a News 1st report claimed that Turkish Airlines had told Sri Lankan authorities that coach Tony Prasanna damaged Tharanga’s javelins before they were loaded onto the aircraft.

CLAIM: Turkish Airlines said Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga’s coach was responsible for damaging his five javelins.

FACT CHECK: FALSE

The claim is not supported by the available evidence. News 1st confirmed that it had not published such a report, and Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry said Turkish Airlines had not informed the ministry or aviation authorities that the coach had damaged the equipment.

Both Tharanga and his coach also rejected the allegation, stating that the five javelins were handed over to the airline in good condition.

Authorities are investigating how the equipment was damaged during the journey, while Turkish Airlines has reportedly agreed to assess the damage and compensate the athlete.

Verdict: FALSE. The viral post falsely used a News 1st-style format to promote an unsupported claim about the athlete’s coach.