copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-17): The largely middle-class and Colombo-based protests were soon reinforced by student, trade union and farmer organisations that had been agitating against various government policies across the country since mid-2021. On 9 April, protesters, brought together under the slogan (and hashtag) "GotaGoHome" ("Gota" being the widely used nickname for Gotabaya) established the GotaGoGama ("GotaGo Village") encampment outside the presidential secretariat on Colombo’s iconic Galle Face Green, calling for the president’s resignation. Widely known by the Sinhala words for "people’s struggle", janatha aragalaya, or simply aragalaya, the protest movement initially focused on the shared demand for economic relief. But demonstrators soon took up cries for the ruling family and its cronies to be held accountable, including demands that they return assets believed to have been stolen and hidden overseas. Over four and a half months of nationwide protests, sections of the aragalaya developed a wider critique of the mismanagement, corruption and unchecked executive power that many Sri Lankans saw as the sources of the economic crisis.[2] [...] At the time, Gotabaya’s resignation represented the aragalaya movement’s greatest achievement. But it also paved the way for a program of short-term stabilisation and crisis management that would quickly eclipse the movement’s push for deeper political reforms, while enabling parts of the political establishment that the movement has vehemently opposed to entrench themselves.
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-23): Mahinda Rajapaksa was chosen by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to run against Ranil Wickremesinghe, former prime minister and Opposition Leader. Wickremesinghe was the leader of the United National Party in the presidential election held on 17 November 2005. Despite the huge election campaign led by the UNP, Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to gain a narrow victory, by 190,000 votes. Rajapaksa's opponents claimed that he won only because the LTTE called for Tamil voters to boycott the polls. Most voters in these areas were forcibly restrained from voting, and it is said that they would have favoured Wickremesinghe of the UNP party.[23] Rajapaksa received 50.3% of the vote.[24] [...] The Rajapaksa family regained power in the 2019 presidential election that November, when his younger brother and former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the election and was sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka.[149][150] Their firm grip of power was consolidated in parliamentary elections in August 2020. The family's political party Sri Lanka People's Front (known by its Sinhala initials SLPP) got a landslide victory and a clear majority in the parliament. Five members of the Rajapaksa family won seats in the parliament. Mahinda Rajapaksa became the new prime minister.[151]
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-10-08): NPP supporters are buoyant and say only the NPP led by JVP, which was involved in two bloody insurrections in 1971 and 1988/89, can bring in drastic policy changes to eradicate corruption and make a system change in Sri Lanka’s mostly divide-and-rule politics based on ethnicity, race, and religion.
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-15): Mr. Premadasa lost the 2019 presidential election to Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Much has happened since then. Today, he is facing off against his one-time party leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with National People’s Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Namal Rajapaksa from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are also among the leading candidates. So what makes Mr Premadasa different from the others? Here are excerpts of the interview:
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-10-08): -By A Staff Writer (Lanka-e-News -20.Sep.2024, 11.00 pm) With the potential victory of National People's Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the upcoming election, a wave of high-profile political figures and their families are reportedly fleeing Sri Lanka.... Read more >>
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-25): While we congratulate JVP/NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his hard fought victory at the just concluded presidential election and the exemplary manner how he stamped down usual crass behaviour of winning parties at elections of the past, we wish him good luck on the difficult road ahead. [...] Having succeeded Somawansa Amarasinghe at the 17th National Convention of the party held in early Dec 2014, Dissanayake transformed the outfit. The formation of JJB/NFF accelerated Dissanayake’s project and by early 2022 he was ready to move on. The JJB/NPP received the recognition of the US and India. Their role in Aragalaya, subsequent acceptance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project and keeping mum about the clandestine visit to Sri Lanka by CIA head, soon after Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed as the President to complete the balance term of ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, made them acceptable to the US, and even to India to some extent.
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-23): Dissanayake, 56, the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party’s broader front National People’s Power (NPP), defeated his closest rival Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe was eliminated in the first round after he failed to make it to the top two in the vote list. The NPP said Dissanayake would take oath on Monday. He will be the ninth president of the island nation. After being defeated in the election, Wickremesinghe bid an emotional farewell to his 26-month tenure, marking the end of his presidency. The election on Saturday was the first to be held since mass protests unseated Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after the country suffered an economic crisis. Earlier, the election commission ordered a second round of counting Punjab Cabinet to get five new faces today Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service India win maiden chessgoldmedals BUDAPEST: India on Sunday scripted history as its men's and women's teams clinched maiden gold medals in the 45th Chess Olympiad. The men's team defeated Slovenia after D Gukesh (pic), Arjun Erigaisi & R Praggnanandhaa won their matches. The women's team beat Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5 to clinch the title.
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-26): You did not misuse anything but bankrupted the country with Hitler Gota . All innocent saints now 1 31 [...] NPP's statement is correct Amunugama, misusing vehicles started by Mahinda and followed by Ranil. Stop denying the truth.
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-25): Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the leftist National People’s Power (NPP), rode a popular anti-establishment vote to power in last weekend’s Sri Lankan presidential election. The election, the first to be held at any level in the country since 2020, became an outlet for popular frustration with the political system and establishment political elite after the polycrises of the past few years. The misguided tax cuts under the 2019 Gotabaya Rajapaksa government, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, had resulted in a debt repayment crisis and severe depletion of foreign reserves, culminating in the country’s bankruptcy for the first time in its history in 2022. Dissanayake’s left populist rhetoric promised to end political corruption and deliver economic relief, which appealed to voters. Though the 2024 elections recorded a voter turnout of 75 percent, compared to 83 percent in the previous election, likely driven by high numbers of emigration and increasing political disillusionment among voters.
Claim: Just after NPP`s Victory, Gothabaya Says He Did NOT Steal Anything !! (Social Media Users, 2024-09-24)
Evidence (2024-09-23): Dissanayake is an outsider to the political core, on which the Rajapaksas had a vice-like grip. Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to flee in July 2022 after a popular uprising. His brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa had to resign as the prime minister just two months earlier. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took charge after Gotabaya was driven out, did so with the backing of the party of the Rajapaksas.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-08-08): In light of these pieces of information, it is evident that while there are health concerns, the death claims of Percy Abeysekara are false. As such, it is advisable to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information on social media platforms.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-31): Sri Lanka superfan Percy Abeysekara, fondly known as Uncle Percy, dies aged 87 [...] Sri Lanka mascot and superfan Percy Abeysekara, affectionately known as Uncle Percy, has died aged 87. [...] Percy Abeysekara, A.K.A Uncle Percy, with his giant Sri Lankan flag in tow•AFP/Getty Images
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Percy Abeysekara, also known as 'Percy Uncle', passed away at the age of 87. Born on July 30, 1936. He is more well-known for his steadfast support and encouragement of the Sri Lankan cricket team than for his actual cricketing prowess. For more than 50 years, he has been at cricket grounds supporting his favourite players and his country, Sri Lanka. Percy started his cheerleading journey with the Sri Lankan flag in 1979. He has watched every Sri Lankan match since the 1979 World Cup. Even though he wasn't a player, his passionate support has had a huge impact on the game, and he continues to be admired by cricket fans worldwide.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Percy Abeysekera alias Uncle Percy, the iconic flag-waving, quick-witted supporter of the Sri Lankan cricket team, passed away after a battle with prolonged illness in Colombo on Monday. The 87-year-old Percy Abeysekera, who was fondly called as Uncle Percy by fans and cricketers alike, was a constant presence on cricket grounds across the world where his country played. [...] In loving memory of legendary cheerleader, Percy Abeysekera (87).
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-31): Sri Lanka Cricket is deeply saddened by the death of legendary cheerleader Percy Abeysekera. His demise is a great loss for the country and the game of cricket in Sri Lanka. On behalf of the cricket fraternity, we wish to express our condolences to Percy’s family, friends, and relatives at this moment of sadness. "Percy was an iconic figure in the Sri Lankan cricket annals, and the value of his contribution to the game cannot be quantified in words. He was popular, well recognized, and respected among many generations of cricketers and fans, both here and overseas,’ said Mr. Shammi Silva, President, Sri Lanka Cricket. Abeysekera was an integral part of the game of cricket in Sri Lanka and did play a pivotal role from beyond the boundary line to support and motivate the players. His towering legacy spans across Sri Lanka’s pre- and post-test eras, and his name will remain etched forever among cricket lovers. Rest in peace, Percy.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Veteran Sri Lanka cheer squad leader Percy Abeysekera, fondly known as ‘Uncle Percy’ by cricket fans across the world, has passed away. [...] In September, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) presented Rs. 5 million to Percy Abeysekera to support his well-being and maintenance of good health. Uncle Percy was known to be one of the longest-standing supporters of the Sri Lankan cricket team.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Percy Abeysekera's health was not at its best over the last year and the Sri Lanka Cricket had recently given him LKR 5 million to meet his medical expenses. Percy Abeysekera, the iconic flag-waving, quick-witted supporter of the Sri Lankan cricket team, passed away after a battle with prolonged illness in Colombo on Monday. The 87-year-old Abeysekera, who was fondly called as Uncle Percy by fans and cricketers alike, was a constant presence on cricket grounds across the world where his country played.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 30 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement on Monday saying that it deeply mourns the demise of Sri Lanka superfan Percy Abeysekera, fondly known as Uncle Percy and said his "presence will be dearly missed." Sri Lankan cricket superfan Percy Abeysekera, also known as Uncle Percy among the cricketing fraternity, has passed away at the age of 87. He was a regular fixture at Sri Lanka's matches for over five decades. He gained global prominence during the 1996 World Cup when he was seen parading the national flag around the ground at Lahore following a win over Australia in the title clash, as per ESPNCricinfo. BCCI/status/1719023839974211707" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1719023839974211707 BCCI took to X and expressed grief over Uncle Percy's death and wrote, "Percy Abeysekera was a bundle of energy, lighting up every moment on the field with his constant cheering. He shared a deep bond with Indian cricketers and developed a strong connect every time Team India toured Sri Lanka. His presence will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. #RIPUnclePercy."
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2024-09-19): W. D. Percy Gimson Mendis Abeysekera (30 July 1936 – 30 October 2023), known as Uncle Percy, was a Sri Lankan cricket superfan for over seven decades.[1] His support for Sri Lankan cricket became part of Sri Lankan cricketing culture. [2] Early life and family [edit]Percy Abeysekera was born on July 30, 1936, in the coastal town of Boossa, Sri Lanka. In 1968, Abeysekera married Meloney De Silva from Moratuwa.[3] They had two children: Sampath Garfield, their elder son, and Nadeesh Nimmi, their daughter.[4] Meloney died on September 24, 2010.[3] [...] Death and legacy [edit]Abeysekera died on 30 October 2023, at the age of 87.[7] Former India captain Ravi Shastri once wrote, "Percy, don't lose your voice. Sri Lanka needs it more than you." Former New Zealand captain, the late Martin Crowe, once gave away his Man of the Match award to Percy. In Australia, he was briefly arrested for entering the field of play. Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist protested, warning not to turn this into an international crisis.[8]
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Percy Abeysekera, a long-time supporter of the Sri Lanka cricket team, passed away in Colombo on Monday after a battle with prolonged illness. In loving memory of legendary cheerleader, Percy Abeysekera (87). [...] Abeysekera, who was fondly called as Uncle Percy by fans and cricketers alike, was a constant presence on cricket grounds across the world where his country played.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Sri Lankas famous cricketing cheerleader Percy Abeysekera passes away [...] Sri Lanka’s legendary cheerleader on the cricket field Percy Abeysekera, famously known as ‘Uncle Percy’, has passed away at the age of 87. [...] Born on the 30th of July, 1936, Percy Abeysekara recently marked his 87th birthday with a celebration.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Percy Abeysekera, popularly known as Uncle Percy, Sri Lanka cricket’s superfan for over 40 years, passed away at 87. Tributes have not stopped pouring in for the team’s biggest cheerleader. [...] Sri Lankan great Cheer Leader Percy Abeysekara Passed Away Short awhile ago [...] Sad, sad day not just for Sri Lankan but entire cricket community! Uncle Percy has passed away after a prolonged illness — Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) October 30, 2023
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-08-08): Rumours About the Death of Percy Abeysekara Are False දිනපතා සත්ය කරුණු දැන ගැනීමට අපගේ WhatsApp සමුහයටමෙතනින් එකතුවන්න. Recent social media posts suggest that Percy Abeysekara, a well-known well-wisher and volunteer cheerleader for the Sri Lanka cricket team, has passed away at 87. Our fact-checking investigation reveals that whilr Percy was taking medical treatment, the death claims were unsubstantiated. Social Media Posts Claims are […] [...] Recent social media posts suggest that Percy Abeysekara, a well-known well-wisher and volunteer cheerleader for the Sri Lanka cricket team, has passed away at 87. Our fact-checking investigation reveals that whilr Percy was taking medical treatment, the death claims were unsubstantiated. Claims are being spread virally on social media stating that Percy Abeysekara passed away.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): NEW DELHI: Percy Abeysekera, the renowned and beloved supporter of the Sri Lankan cricket team, passed away in Colombo on Monday after a prolonged illness. At 87, Abeysekera, affectionately known as Uncle Percy by fans and cricketers, was a fixture at cricket grounds worldwide where the Sri Lankan team played. [...] Abeysekera shared close relationships with prominent Sri Lankan cricketers like [...] However, Abeysekera's health had been declining over the past year. Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket provided him with 5 million Lankan rupees to assist with his medical expenses.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Colombo [Sri Lanka], October 30 (ANI): Sri Lankan cricket superfan Percy Abeysekara, also known as Uncle Percy among the cricketing fraternity, has passed away at the age of 87. He was a regular fixture at Sri Lanka's matches for over five decades. He gained global prominence during the 1996 World Cup when he was seen parading the national flag around the ground at Lahore following a win over Australia in the title clash, as per ESPNCricinfo. Percy was famous for his rhyming English chants and interactions with cricketers, both Sri Lankans and foreigners. He was a regular fixture in the country's matches at home and overseas both. He was among the first generation of travelling superfans.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Percy Abeysekera, the iconic flag-waving, quick-witted supporter of the Sri Lankan cricket team, passed away after a battle with prolonged illness here on Monday. The 87-year-old Abeysekera, who was fondly called as Uncle Percy by fans and cricketers alike, was a constant presence on cricket grounds across the world where his country played. Abeysekera, known for his colourful dressing, began his travels to cheer for the Lankan cricket team from the 1979 World Cup and since then he attended all major cricketing events except the on-going World Cup owing to poor health.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Sri Lanka’s legendary cheer leader Percy Abeysekera who is well known as ‘Uncle Percy’ in cricket fraternity around the world, has passed away. Percy Abeysekera, who gained recognition in the Cricketing world for his patriotism and love for the sport, celebrated his 87th birthday two months ago, but has reportedly been unwell in the recent past. [...] Percy, who was born on 30th July in 1936 in Balapitiya, was known to be one of the longest-standing supporters of the Sri Lankan Cricket team and carried the Sri Lankan flag at Cricket grounds to support the team, since the 1979 World Cup.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): Arguably the most devoted fan of Sri Lanka cricket, Percy Abeysekera passed away on Monday, October 30, aged 87. He was bedridden for several days and ultimately lost the battle of survival. Percy, fondly known as 'Uncle Percy' was immensely popular among international cricketers and cheered for the national cricket team during games in Sri Lanka and even overseas. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) paid tribute to the super fan by taking to 'X' and posted "In loving memory of legendary cheerleader, Percy Abeysekera (87). His passion and energy on the cricket field will be dearly missed." Former Sri Lanka captain and one of the greatest allrounders of his time Sanath Jayasuriya took to the social media platform 'X' to mourn the loss. "It is with great sadness that I heard our beloved Uncle Percy has met his maker. You were the first superfan and for all of us you will always be special RIP," he posted.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-11-01): In Short - Percy Abeysekara, fondly known as Uncle Percy, passed away aged 87 - Rohit Sharma met Uncle Percy in Colombo earlier this year - India take on Sri Lanka in their World Cup clash on Thursday [...] Percy Abeysekara, fondly known as Uncle Percey, died aged 87 on October 30 after a prolonged battle with illness. He began cheering the Sri Lankan cricket team in the 1979 World Cup and spent most of his life traveling with the team and waving the national flag as he became a familiar figure in the stands whenever the islanders played. [...] Despite his declining health in the later years, Uncle Percy's passion for cricket remained undiminished. He continued to attend major cricketing events, cheering for his beloved team, waving the Sri Lankan flag, and spreading joy among players and spectators alike.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2023-10-30): In Short - Sri Lanka cricket's greatest fan, Percy Abeysekera died aged 87 on Monday - Uncle Percy had been cheering for Sri Lanka from the 1979 World Cup - He was not able to travel to India for the World Cup due to illness One of the most iconic supporters of cricket, Percy Abeysekera, fondly known as Uncle Percy died on Monday, October 30 after a long battle with illness. Uncle Percy was the biggest cheerleader of the Sri Lankan cricket team, traveling with the islanders to various cricket tours over the years. [...] Percy Abeysekera had been battling illness for quite some time. Notably, in September 2023, Sri Lanka Cricket handed over Rs 5 million to support his wellbeing and medical expenses. During the Asia Cup 2023 in August-September, India men's cricket team captain Rohit Sharma met Uncle Percy in Sri Lanka during the team's campaign in the continental tournament.
Claim: Percy Abeysekara Passed Away !! (Social Media Users, 2023-08-08)
Evidence (2024-04-09): Percy Abeysekera passes away Percy Abeysekera, renowned cricket cheerleader, has passed away at the age of 87. Percy Abeysekera famously known as "Uncle Percy" had passed away while receiving treatment at the Ragama Hospital, according to family sources.