The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association has lodged a complaint with Anura Kumara Dissanayake over an alleged incident involving the Presidential Media Division, claiming that two journalists attached to the State-owned Sunday Observer newspaper were intimidated while covering the Ehipassiko Peace Walk.

In a letter addressed to the President, the association said it strongly condemned the alleged actions of Presidential Media Division adviser Chandana Sooriyabandara.

The association further alleged that Sooriyabandara had exceeded the authority of a public official and acted improperly by giving undue priority to a private media institution during the event.

It also described as ironic the fact that the two journalists allegedly affected were themselves employees of a State-owned media institution, despite the incident involving an adviser attached to the Presidential Media Division.

Calling for urgent intervention, the association urged the President to take immediate steps regarding the matter.

The letter further claimed that the incident reflected a continuation of past administrations’ suppressive practices against the media, and pointed to more recent concerns including discussions surrounding restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, as well as the Culture Ministry reportedly seeking the assistance of the Defence Ministry on matters related to expression.

The association said such developments indicated 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 intervene swiftly to prevent the misuse of State power and ensure journalists are able to carry out their professional duties with dignity and independence.