Viral claim of MP driving under the influence and crashing car in Parliament complex: false
A Member of Parliament (MP) from the NPP was recently the subject of a viral video circulating on social media that alleged he was driving under the influence when his luxury car crashed into a pond within the Parliament complex.
by Anonymous |
December 2, 2024
The video claimed, “A Member of Parliament, driving under the influence, crashes his luxury car into a pond in the Parliament complex” (translated)
Upon inquiring with the communications department of Parliament, it was confirmed that such an incident did indeed occur on November 26, 2024, during bad weather. A motor vehicle belonging to Member of Parliament Nihal Abeysinghe had slid into a pond in the Parliament complex. However, it was clarified that the MP was not in the vehicle at the time of the accident, and there was no report suggesting that he was under the influence of alcohol. The department also mentioned that a similar incident had occurred several years ago during bad weather conditions, involving a vehicle from the Department of Archaeology, which also ended up in the pond.
FactSeeker investigated these claims. Upon contacting the media department of Parliament, it was confirmed that an incident did indeed take place on November 26, 2024, amid adverse weather conditions.
The vehicle in question, belonging to MP Nihal Abeysinghe, had slid into a pond within the Parliament complex. However, it was clarified that the MP was not in the car at the time of the accident, and there were no reports indicating that he was under the influence of alcohol.
The media unit also noted that a similar incident had occurred several years ago, involving a vehicle from the Department of Archaeology, which also ended up in the pond due to adverse weather.
MP Nihal Abeysinghe confirmed that he was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident. He explained that due to the severe weather conditions, a sudden fog caused the driver to lose sight of the road, leading to the accident. He also denied the claim that he was under the influence of alcohol, stating that this rumor was false.
MP Nihal Abeysinghe told FactSeeker that he was not inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. He explained that the accident occurred because the driver who was unable to see the road due to dense fog, lost control of the vehicle. He denied the rumors of him driving under the influence of alcohol.
This incident was also reported by major media outlets, with the clarification that the MP was not in the vehicle at the time.
Accordingly, FactSeeker confirms that the claims circulating on social media are false.
