copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Sajith Forward -Anura Backward !(Presidential Election Survey by Mass Media News) (Social Media Users, 2024-03-18)
Evidence (2024-09-08): If estimates are to be believed it is unlikely that a single candidate will win a clear majority in the first round of the impending poll. The June report of the Institute of Health Policy’s Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey (SLOTS) revealed that support for SJB leader Sajith Premadasa rose to 43% (+4) as compared to the month of May. [14] In contrast, support for NPP/JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake fell to 30% (-6), while support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe increased to 20% (+3), and a generic SLPP candidate, as Namal Rajapaksa’s name had not yet been disclosed by that time, garnered just 7% of votes. [15] However, the latest July estimates show Dissanayake and Premadasa leading neck to neck at 37% and 36% respectively with 23 % support for Ranil, a substantial surge, while support for a generic SLPP candidate remained unchanged at 4%.[16] It was further estimated that support for Dissanayake was notably strong among the youth, with 54% of them backing him. [...] [13] https://www.newsfirst.lk/2024/08/21/namal-s-maiden-rally-in-anuradhapura [14] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/sajith-premadasa-43-leads-presidential-election-kicks-june-2024-within-margin-error [15] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/sajith-premadasa-43-leads-presidential-election-kicks-june-2024-within-margin-error [16] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/ak-dissanayake-and-sajith-premadasa-lead-neck-and-neck-july-voting-intent-support [17] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/ak-dissanayake-and-sajith-premadasa-lead-neck-and-neck-july-voting-intent-support [18] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/ak-dissanayake-and-sajith-premadasa-lead-neck-and-neck-july-voting-intent-support [19] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/ak-dissanayake-and-sajith-premadasa-lead-neck-and-neck-july-voting-intent-support [20] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/ak-dissanayake-and-sajith-premadasa-lead-neck-and-neck-july-voting-intent-support [21] https://www.ihp.lk/press-releases/ak-dissanayake-and-sajith-premadasa-lead-neck-and-neck-july-voting-intent-support [22] https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2024/Sep/01/choosing-successor-for-sri-lankas-thorny-crown [23] https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2024/Sep/01/choosing-successor-for-sri-lankas-thorny-crown [24] https://www.adaderana.lk/news/101507/anura-kumara-unveils-election-manifesto [25] https://www.newsonair.gov.in/sri-lankas-npp-releases-election-manifesto/
Claim: Sajith Forward -Anura Backward !(Presidential Election Survey by Mass Media News) (Social Media Users, 2024-03-18)
Evidence (2024-08-06): This will be the first election after the people’s uprising of 2022, which forced the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign and flee the country. The serious contenders include Wickremesinghe’s one-time party colleague Sajith Premadasa, who founded the political alliance Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna chief Anura Kumara Dissanayake. [...] Wickremesinghe’s challenger Sajith Premadasa, who had contested the 2019 presidential election and lost to Gotabaya, has so far concentrated on attacking the government on specific issues. This month, he questioned the government’s motive in not adhering to a Supreme Court order directing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to step down. He also attacked the government on its real intention behind handing over visa processing to VFS Global. He claimed that this was a "scam" and that the claim of "US $200 million investment [in Sri Lanka] by VFS" was a "complete lie". Sajith, son of former President R. Premadasa, asserted that "when a President defies the Supreme Court, he attacks the very fabric" of Sri Lanka’s democracy. Referring to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s speech in parliament on July 26, where the government did not accept the Supreme Court’s ruling on suspending IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, he said that President Wickremesinghe’s actions were "reckless" which "risks plunging us [Sri Lankans] into chaos and oppression".
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-01-16): Our investigation has definitively confirmed that the social media message circulated under the title "Police message that everyone should read" is indeed false. It does not represent an official announcement issued by the Sri Lanka Police, as falsely claimed within its contents.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-09-27): Sri Lanka Police (Sinhala: ශ්රී ලංකා පොලීසිය, romanized: Śrī Laṁkā Polīsiya; Tamil: இலங்கை காவல், romanized: Ilaṅkai Kāval) is the civilian national police force of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The police force is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout Sri Lanka. The police force consists of 43 Territorial Divisions, 67 Functional Divisions, 432 Police Stations with more than 84,000 people.[2] The professional head of the police is the Inspector General of Police who reports to the Minister of Law and Order as well as the National Police Commission. The last Inspector General of Police was Deshabandu Tennakoon.[3] [...] Organisation [edit]The Sri Lanka Police is headed by the Inspector General of Police, who has, in theory, autonomy to commanding the service from the Police Headquarters in Colombo, and support by the Police Field Force Headquarters. However, in the recent past the Police Service has come under the purview of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), with the exception of several years when it came under the Ministry of Internal Affairs but was transferred to the MoD. In the last few years there have been calls to reestablish the independent National Police Commission[7] to oversee transfers and promotions, thereby making the service autonomous and free from any influence. [...] - ^ "Sri Lanka Police Service". Archived from the original on 27 December 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-04-20): Sri Lanka crisis: One killed after police fire live bullets at protesters Outrage has erupted over the death of a Sri Lankan man who was killed when police fired live bullets at protesters, also injuring 14 others. [...] The Inspector General of Police CD Wickramaratne later issued a statement saying that police had acted to stop a group of protesters from setting fire to a truck containing 30,000 litres of fuel.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2023-06-15): The responsibilities of the National Police Commission is to transform Sri Lanka Police Force into a disciplined , credible and community responsive service by entertaining and investigate complaints from members of the public or any aggrieved person against a police officer or the police force and shall provide redress in accordance with the provision as of any law enacted by Parliament with a view to upgrading Human Rights, Public Accountability and respect for the Rule of Law.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-09-27): "As the new President takes power, he must ensure the people of Sri Lanka can exercise their right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including to express dissent and demand respect for their rights. Such emergency regulations have a chilling effect on society. It’s time for authorities in Sri Lanka to stand with its people and not repeat the mistakes of the past." [...] On 18 July 2022, Government of Sri Lanka issued notification under Public Security Ordinance for the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations, 2022. The English translation for same was posted online recently. [...] The Sri Lankan authorities have carried out a number of arrests of largely peaceful demonstrators since the beginning of the current wave of protests in Sri Lanka.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-04-02): Sri Lanka police impose 36-hour curfew to quell unrest [...] Police in Sri Lanka have announced a 36-hour curfew ahead of planned mass anti-government protests against worsening shortages of food, fuel and medicine in the South Asian island nation. The curfew will go into effect at dusk on Saturday and be lifted on Monday morning, police said a day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa imposed a state of emergency giving authorities sweeping powers in the wake of mass protests against the unprecedented economic crisis.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2023-09-03): Today marks the 157th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police Service, an institution that has played a pivotal role in the country's history. The origins of this service trace back to 1795 when the British introduced a policing system to safeguard the warehouses in the Colombo port. However, it wasn't until 1866 that an official police service was established, with Mr. G. W. R. Campbell appointed as its first Inspector General of Police. [...] The Sri Lankan Police have a rich history of service, with exceptional contributions during the thirty years of war in our country and during calamities like the Tsunami. Their dedication deserves the highest praise, especially for their efforts in securing the country and its people during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of their outstanding service, the Sri Lanka Police are taking a renewed approach to ensure peace and security by combatting the underworld, drug-related crimes, and theft. They tirelessly work day and night to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation, and their efforts should be commended by the people.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-07-15): Law enforcement in Sri Lanka falls under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lanka Police, the national law enforcement agency, along with local community police and Grama Niladhari. Additionally, the Sri Lanka Police encompasses several specialized agencies. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is a national unit responsible for investigating serious crimes. The Special Task Force handles Counter-Terrorist and Counter-Insurgency operations. Other divisions include the Traffic Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, Security Council under DIG Valentine S. Vamadevan, and the Children & Women Bureau created in 1979. [...] Specialized agencies of the Sri Lanka Police [edit]- Children & Women Bureau - Colombo Crime Division (CCD)
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-04-20): (New York) – The Sri Lankan authorities should promptly and impartially investigate the apparent use of excessive force by police, who fired on protesters demonstrating against rising fuel prices in Rambukkana, a town near Kandy in central Sri Lanka on April 19, 2022. One person was killed and at least 14 wounded. Those responsible for abuses should be disciplined or prosecuted as appropriate. Sri Lanka has a long history of failing to provide justice and redress to victims of human rights violations. "The use of live ammunition by Sri Lankan police against demonstrators at Rambukkana on April 19 appears to be a flagrant misuse of lethal force," said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "People protesting government policies that affect their lives and livelihoods shouldn’t have to fear for their lives." [...] "International law prohibits the use of lethal force by law enforcement officers unless there is an imminent threat to life," Gossman said. "Sri Lankan authorities should carry out a prompt and transparent investigation into the shootings and take appropriate action against any wrongdoing. Any police use of force in response to violence needs to be targeted and proportionate."
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2023-09-18): - Consider bringing cases under the principle of universal jurisdiction for serious international crimes committed in Sri Lanka. [...] Sri Lanka’s security forces have spent much of the past several decades combating civil strife and engaging in armed conflict against ethnic-oriented armed groups, notably the Sinhalese left-wing insurgency of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP),[2] and the Tamil separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).[3] [...] Sri Lankan government security forces—the military, police, and intelligence services—have a long history of committing serious abuses with impunity. Soldiers and police have rarely been held to account for arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, and custodial killings.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2021-08-06): (New York) – Sri Lanka’s police are increasingly killing and abusing people under cover of the Covid-19 pandemic measures and an anti-drug campaign, Human Rights Watch said today. [...] "Sri Lanka’s police seem intent on building on their past record of serious abuses, instead of cleaning up their act," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The UN, UK, and others working with Sri Lankan law enforcement should recognize that without the political will to reform on Sri Lanka’s part, their engagement risks appearing to endorse abusive agencies." [...] Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies receive international support from various countries. The UK government through Police Scotland provides police training. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime supports Sri Lankan counterterrorism units, which have long faced allegations of grave rights violations, as well as counter narcotics programs.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-09-01): The police emergency center on 1-1-9 operating at Inspector Generals command Information center Mirihana receives all public calls of emergencies and prompt action is taken. The police emergency center on 1-1-9 operating at Inspector Generals command Information center Mirihana receives all public calls of emergencies and prompt action is taken. The relevant local police station and the authorities too will be informed of the complaint in any part of the Island depending the nature of the complaint. [...] Inquiries could be made from the special unit at the Police headquarters Colombo – 01, by telephone number +9411-2013069, +9411-2013070, +9411-2013071, +9411-2013072 between 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs on any working day
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-04-10): Sri Lanka: Police must face justice for violent repression of protests - new report [...] Sri Lankan law enforcement officials engaged in the violent repression of protests must be held accountable for committing widespread human rights violations, said Amnesty International in a new report released today (10 April). [...] "From the outset, the Sri Lankan police approached the 2022-23 protests assuming that they would be unlawful and violent and that they would need to use force to repress them. The police failed to recognise that people have the right to peacefully protest, and that the authorities have a duty to facilitate and protect protests. Instead, they targeted, chased, and beat largely peaceful protesters.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-09-01): Towards a Peaceful environment to live with confidence, without fear of Crime and Violence. Sri Lanka Police is committed and confident to uphold and enforce the law of the land, to preserve the public order, prevent crime and Terrorism with prejudice to none – equity to all.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-07-22): (New York) – In the early hours of July 22, 2022, Sri Lankan security forces forcibly dispersed people at a peaceful protest site and assaulted protesters in central Colombo, injuring more than 50 people and arresting at least 9 others, Human Rights Watch said today. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office on July 21, should immediately order the security forces to cease all unlawful use of force against protesters, release everyone arbitrarily detained, and investigate and appropriately prosecute those responsible for abuses. Foreign governments and multilateral agencies that have sought to address Sri Lanka’s economic crisis should emphasize to the new government that respect for human rights is critical for economic recovery. [...] Nine people who were arrested were produced in court on July 22 and released on bail. A Bar Association of Sri Lanka statement said that they included "at least one lawyer and several journalists. . . The use of the Armed Forces to supress civilian protesters on the very first day in office of the new President is despicable and will have serious consequences on our country’s social, economic, and political stability."
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2023-12-07): The Sri Lanka Police are responsible for maintaining internal security and are under the Ministry of Public Security, formed in November 2020. The military, under the Ministry of Defense (the president holds the defense portfolio), may be called upon to handle specifically delineated domestic security responsibilities, but generally without arrest authority. The 11,000-member paramilitary Special Task Force, a police entity that reports to the inspector general of police (IGP), coordinates internal security operations with the military. Civilian officials maintained control over the security forces. There were credible reports that members of the security forces, primarily the police, committed numerous abuses. [...] On June 16, the Court of Appeal granted bail to former director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police Shani Abeyesekera, who had been in pretrial detention since July 2020 without charge for allegedly fabricating evidence in a 2013 case. Civil society considered his demotion and arrest in 2020 to be reprisal for Abeysekera’s investigations into several high-profile murder, disappearance, and corruption cases involving members of the sitting government, including members of the Rajapaksa family.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-01-18): Due to the crisis in Sri Lanka, people are facing tough times meeting their basic needs. In such a background a message from the Sri Lankan police about gangs stealing is spreading on social media under the theme "police message that everyone should read." Here's our investigation report on it. Social Media Posts : Posts […] Due to the crisis in Sri Lanka, people are facing tough times meeting their basic needs. In such a background a message from the Sri Lankan police about gangs stealing is spreading on social media under the theme "police message that everyone should read." Here's our investigation report on it. [...] Our investigation has definitively confirmed that the social media message circulated under the title "Police message that everyone should read" is indeed false. It does not represent an official announcement issued by the Sri Lanka Police, as falsely claimed within its contents.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-04-10): Sri Lanka’s law enforcement officials engaged in the violent repression of protests must be held accountable for committing widespread human rights violations, said Amnesty International in a new investigative report released today. [...] The police used water cannon at close range against peaceful or largely peaceful protesters and in situations where protesters posed no threat to police officers and were attempting to disperse. Police also fired water cannon directly at a media correspondent reporting live from a protest in Colombo – Sri Lanka’s capital city – in June 2023, despite clear and visible signs of cameras and other media equipment. In the north of the country, police used water cannon against a largely peaceful protest by family members of the disappeared. [...] The Sri Lankan state is responsible under international law to investigate effectively, impartially, and in a timely manner, any allegation or reasonable suspicion of human rights violations by law enforcement officials. If the investigations into the protests in Sri Lanka find sufficient credible evidence, those suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice in fair trials before ordinary civilian courts. This applies to those with responsibility at all levels, including senior officers.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2014-04-08): Violating an order of protection is a crime and it is punishable by law. If the order is violated, you should call the police for assistance. [...] If you are in immediate danger, or have been a victim of a crime, please call 911. DO NOT report to Crime Stoppers. [...] Threatening a witness or victim is a crime and is punishable by law. If you are threatened, contact the police immediately, and notify them of the threats against you.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2014-04-08): Read about reporting a lost, stolen or damaged Press Card. [...] Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. **The PCO does not accept walk-ins.
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2024-09-18): Sign up to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates while abroad. [...] * Please see our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach us. [...] Please call your nearest Consulate or Embassy:
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-11-24): Strategic objectives and initiatives 1. Promoting peace, resilience and security
Claim: "An Important Police Message That Everyone Should Read" - Released by Sri Lanka Police (Social Media Users, 2024-01-16)
Evidence (2022-12-29): (Sec. 8099) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for Government Travel Charge Card expenses for gaming or for entertainment that includes topless or nude entertainers or participants. [...] - do not provide incentives for, or facilitate, forced displacement; and - do not partner with or otherwise involve enterprises owned or controlled by the armed forces. [...] The title addresses issues such as error correction requirements, withdrawal and distribution rules, and notice and disclosure rules.