Anidda newspaper has reported that security officers at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre restricted journalists from parking their vehicles at the venue during the Presidential Media Awards 2025.

According to the report, the restriction was imposed because Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya was scheduled to attend the ceremony as the chief guest.

The Presidential Media Awards 2025 were held in grand style at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre on 11 November, recognising the work of media professionals and their qualitative contribution under the theme ‘Reliable Media Within Innovation’.

However, Anidda reported that journalists’ vehicles were strictly barred from entering the premises despite the theatre having been designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles expected for any major event held there.

The newspaper noted that on this occasion, parking space had been limited to less than one-third of the usual capacity.
It further reported that although all vehicles arriving for the event were initially allowed through the main gate, drivers were instructed to turn back once inside on the grounds that there was no space available.

Despite these claims, Anidda said a significant portion of the premises – including the entire area in front of the main entrance – remained empty. When questioned, security officers had reportedly responded that the space was being reserved in anticipation of the arrival of Prime Minister Amarasuriya.