News circulating on social media stating that “Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was hospitalized due to coronavirus has passed away. May he rest in peace!”
Our technical investigation revealed that Mr. Mangala Samaraweera was receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital as he had contracted Covid-19 on August 13.
An article which was published on 13th August
An article published on 16th of August
Upon contacting the private hospital where Mr.Mangala Samaraweera was admitted to clarify the truth of the news a staff member mentioned that Mr.Mangala Samaraweera is currently in the recovery stage.
Therefore, the news circulating on social media stating that Mr.Mangala Samaraweera was receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to a Covid-19 infection, but has passed away is fake news.