The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association has lodged a complaint with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over an alleged incident involving the Presidential Media Division during coverage of the Ehipassiko Peace Walk.
In a letter addressed to the President, the association claimed that two journalists attached to the state-owned Sunday Observer newspaper were allegedly intimidated while reporting on the event.
The association strongly condemned the alleged conduct of Presidential Media Division adviser Chandana Sooriyabandara.
It further alleged that the adviser had exceeded the authority of a public official and acted improperly by giving undue priority to a private media institution during the programme.
The association noted that it was particularly concerning that the journalists allegedly affected were employees of a state-owned media institution, despite the incident involving an adviser linked to the Presidential Media Division.
Calling for urgent action, the organisation urged the President to intervene immediately and address the matter.
The letter also claimed that the incident reflected a continuation of past practices that suppressed media freedom.
It further referred to recent concerns over possible restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, as well as reports that the Culture Ministry had sought the assistance of the Defence Ministry on matters related to expression.
According to the association, such developments raise questions about the media policy direction of the current National People’s Power administration.
The letter, signed by association President Duminda Sampath and Secretary Ranga Bandaranayake, called on the President to act swiftly to prevent misuse of state power and ensure journalists can perform their duties with dignity and independence.
