A photo circulating on social media shows National People’s Power MP Nilanthi Kotahachi and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe playing table tennis. The photo was shared on the Hiru News Facebook page with the caption, “Kotahachi plays table tennis with Deputy Minister Chathuranga during the budget debate.”

This image has sparked criticism on social media, with users questioning whether taxpayer money is being spent appropriately. In response, FactSeeker investigated the photo’s authenticity.

The Sri Lankan Parliament’s official media release clarified that the photo was taken during the Parliament’s annual indoor sports competition. The release included several images from the event and explained that Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe and MP Nilanthi Kotahachi won the doubles competition. The awarding ceremony, which took place on the 21st, was attended by Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya and Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

FactSeeker has confirmed that the photo was taken during the table tennis doubles match at this internal event, and not during the budget debate as suggested.