Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has removed a controversial social media post intended to promote condom use after it triggered backlash online.
The post, published on the Ministry’s official platforms, sought to encourage the public to use condoms rather than rely on emergency contraceptive pills. The graphic featured an illustration of a man attempting to cross using a narrow plank instead of a bridge, as part of the campaign’s message.
Social media users claimed the illustrated figure bore a resemblance to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who was previously photographed crossing a makeshift plank bridge during a public event.
The comparison quickly gained traction online, prompting criticism that the Health Ministry had politicised a public health awareness campaign.
Following the backlash, the Ministry replaced the image by removing the illustrated figure. However, the post was later taken down entirely.
Screenshots of the original post continued to circulate on social media, with critics accusing the government and the Health Ministry of using a health safety message to target a political figure.
The Health Ministry has not issued an official statement explaining the removal of the post. (Newswire)