No real photo exists of Minister Ananda Wijepala performing ground worship
During the operation in Indonesia where members of organized crime groups, including gang leader Kehelbaddara Pathme, were arrested and brought to Sri Lanka, a ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport on the 30th to honor the police officers from both countries (Indonesia and Sri Lanka) who assisted in the operation.
by Anonymous |
September 2, 2025
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Anand Wijepala also participated in this ceremony. A photograph circulated on social media appeared to show the minister performing a ground worship (bowing to the floor) in the same attire he wore to the event.
Factseeker first Analyzed whether this photograph truly depicted Minister Anand Wijepala. During the investigation, several official photographs released by the Sri Lanka Police of the minister attending the ceremony were found:
At that time, we came across several photographs taken by the Minister during the event, which were released by the Sri Lanka Police.
You can view them here – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19tQjyQaHu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Due to the unusual manner in which the ground-worship appeared and the unnatural surroundings in the image, Factseeker conducted further examination.
Accordingly, on 31of August, the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs issued a media statement clarifying that the photograph purportedly showing Minister Ananda Wijepala performing the ground-worship was completely fake.
The media statement read as follows:
Furthermore, on 1 September 2025 the Police Media Division issued a letter to all media organizations stating that the Inspector General of Police had ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to launch an inquiry into the fake news circulating on social media and to take legal action against the responsible individuals.
The police statement read as follows:
furthermore investigation, it was observed that Kavidu Pradeep Kasthuriarachchi, who is believed to be the original creator of the photo, had sent a Facebook message stating that the photo of Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala performing the worship was a photo taken using AI technology.
The message read as follows:
Accordingly, Factseeker confirms that the photograph showing Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Anand Wijepala performing the ground-worship is a fake image.
