Issuing a statement the minister said this is an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Education Minister and the Education Ministry.

The statement further said that a web site had published a news that the minister had made this statement at a function held in Badulla and another group had paid for this news to be carried over Face Book social media sites.

It said there is clear evidence to indicate that a conspiracy is brewing to destroy the image of the Education Minister who has gained public trust through many programmes initiated by him.