Fact Check: Viral ‘Daily Mirror’ Investment Scheme Article Attributed to Ashok Pathirage Is Fabricated

Sri Lankan Business Tycoon’s Name Exploited in Investment Scam Circulating Online

A sophisticated online scam falsely claiming that Softlogic Holdings Chairman Ashok Pathirage revealed a secret investment scheme has been circulating widely across social media platforms in Sri Lanka, prompting warnings from cybersecurity experts and the businessman’s office.

The fraudulent operation centers around fabricated content designed to mimic legitimate news sources, specifically the Daily Mirror newspaper. The fake article claims Pathirage disclosed an investment platform called “BlizzerdPro” during an appearance on the popular television program “Truth with Chamuditha,” alleging the scheme could generate between Rs. 580,000 and Rs. 880,000 daily from an initial investment of just Rs. 73,000.

According to the false narrative, Pathirage was subsequently detained by authorities for revealing this “sensitive information” that could supposedly harm the national economy, triggering public protests demanding his release. The fabricated story even includes fictional details about a live demonstration where Pathirage allegedly helped the show’s host earn Rs. 21,271 in just 30 minutes.

An investigation revealed that while Pathirage did appear on “Truth with Chamuditha” in June 2020, at no point during the interview did he discuss any investment schemes or financial opportunities. The entire narrative was fabricated to lure unsuspecting victims into what appears to be an investment scam.

Particularly concerning is the scammers’ sophisticated approach in creating a website that visually mimics the Daily Mirror’s legitimate online platform. However, close examination reveals the fraudulent site operates under a completely different domain than the newspaper’s official dailymirror.lk address.

When contacted for comment, Pathirage’s personal secretary confirmed the article is entirely fabricated, stating that “Ashok Pathirage has not made any statements regarding such an investment scheme,” and adding that “necessary legal action is already being taken regarding this fabricated content.”

This scam follows a pattern increasingly observed across South Asia, where fraudsters leverage the credibility of business leaders and celebrities to promote get-rich-quick schemes. These operations typically promise unrealistic returns while using urgency tactics to pressure potential victims into quick decisions before properly verifying information.

The false content also referenced legal troubles involving Pathirage, attempting to add credibility by mentioning an actual ongoing case involving the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) against Asiri Medical Hospital, where Pathirage serves as a board member. However, this legal matter relates to allegations about medicine pricing and has no connection to any investment platforms.

Cybersecurity experts warn that clicking links in such fraudulent content may expose users to multiple risks, including potential theft of personal information and passwords, malware installation, or redirection to fraudulent financial platforms designed to steal money from victims.

The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online financial scams in Sri Lanka, where economic pressures have made many citizens vulnerable to promises of easy money. Authorities recommend that consumers verify any investment opportunities through official channels and remain skeptical of claims promising extraordinary returns with minimal investment.

This is not an isolated incident, as similar scams have previously used the names of other prominent Sri Lankan public figures, including singer Yohani and even fabricated endorsements from government officials to lend credibility to fraudulent investment schemes.