Health Ministry Deletes Post Accused of Politicising Safety Message

Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has deleted a controversial social media post promoting condom use after it drew sharp criticism online.

The post, shared on the Ministry’s official platforms, encouraged the public to use condoms instead of relying on emergency contraceptive pills. The campaign featured a graphic illustration of a man attempting to cross a narrow wooden plank rather than using a bridge, symbolising the risks of unsafe choices.

However, social media users alleged that the illustrated figure resembled Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who was previously photographed crossing a makeshift plank bridge during a public event.

The perceived similarity quickly gained traction across social media platforms, leading to accusations that the Health Ministry had politicised a public health awareness message.

Amid the backlash, the Ministry initially edited the post by removing the illustrated figure. The entire post was later taken down.

Despite its removal, screenshots of the original image continued to circulate online, with critics accusing the government and the Health Ministry of using a health safety campaign to target a political figure.

The Health Ministry has not issued an official statement clarifying the reason for deleting the post.