A fabricated news-style image falsely attributed a quote to Industry Minister Sunil Handunnetti claiming a factory would produce materials for vaginal reconstructive surgery. The image misused the Top News Lk logo and was shared on May 7, 2026, by Colombo councillor Harshani Sandaruwani, who later deleted the post after learning it was fake. Both the minister and Top News Lk denied the report; independent checks found no evidence of such a plan. The case highlights the role of disinformation in inflaming debate over LGBTQ issues in Sri Lanka.
Fake Quote Claims Sri Lanka Will Build 'Vaginal Membrane' Factory — Minister and News Outlet Deny It
Screenshot of the false post taken on June 2, with red Xs added by AFP
Opponents of Sri Lanka's government circulated a fabricated news-style image falsely attributing a controversial quote to Industry Minister Sunil Handunnetti, claiming a factory would be built to produce materials used in vaginal reconstructive surgery. The image misused the logo of local outlet Top News Lk and included a photograph of the minister, but both the minister and the outlet say the story is false.
What Was Shared
"A factory to manufacture artificial vaginal membranes for women's vaginal reconstruction will be set up soon."
The quote was presented as a news graphic and shared on Facebook on May 7, 2026. The post was carried by Colombo municipal councillor Harshani Sandaruwani, whose page has more than 61,000 followers; she later deleted the post on June 2 after learning the quote was fabricated.
Verification And Denials
Dhananjaya Naranbadda, managing director of Wide Lens Media Network (owner of Top News Lk), told AFP by email on May 20 that the organisation did not publish the graphic and described it as "false propaganda." Top News Lk also published a denial on its official Facebook page.
Searches of Top News Lk's website and social channels uncovered no report matching the fabricated graphic. The photo used in the fake image was taken from a post on Handunnetti's official Facebook page dated April 24, when he spoke at the launch of a national events calendar — a speech that contained no references to any factory project. Contemporary Sri Lankan media coverage of the launch likewise made no mention of such a plan.
Handunnetti told AFP via WhatsApp on June 1 that he did not make the quoted statement and condemned the spread of the false report.
Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and the post on Handunnetti's Facebook page featuring the same picture
Context And Reaction
The story touched a sensitive fault line in Sri Lankan politics: LGBTQ issues are politically charged and have prompted fierce debate. In 2025 the government announced a planned partnership with local advocacy group Equal Ground to promote Sri Lanka as an inclusive destination; the plan drew criticism from opposition figures and was later shelved.
Same-sex sexual activity remains illegal in Sri Lanka and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A 2025 United Nations report found that women, girls, LGBTQ people and ethnic minorities in Sri Lanka are disproportionately targeted with online abuse, including hate speech, disinformation and doxxing.
The fabricated graphic circulated beyond the councillor’s page and triggered angry comments from users who accepted it as genuine. After the denials, the councillor removed the post.
Why This Matters
This episode illustrates how quickly fabricated visuals and fake quotes can spread on social media and inflame public opinion — particularly on sensitive cultural and political issues. Local media checks and official denials helped expose the falsehood, but the incident underscores the ongoing challenge of combating disinformation that targets politicians and vulnerable communities.
Note: AFP has previously debunked other fabricated quotes attributed to Sri Lankan politicians.
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