A journalist attached to the Sunday Observer has requested the issuance of clear guidelines for the Presidential Media Divison (PMD) to ensure the professional dignity of media personnel.

Buwanaka S. Perera made the request in a letter addressed to Director General of Government Information Harsha Bandara, citing an incident during coverage of a peace walk where he was allegedly obstructed by a media adviser to the PMD.

In his letter, Perera stated that he had attended the event following an official invitation from the Department of Government Information and had been wearing the media accreditation issued under the Director General’s authority.

He alleged that Chandana Sooriyabandara prevented him from covering the event, claiming that coverage rights had been assigned to Sirasa TV.

According to Perera, when he asserted his right as a journalist to cover a public event held on a main road with State patronage, Sooriyabandara had responded: “I am the President’s media adviser. Listen to what I say and leave.”

Perera further questioned the implications for journalists in private media institutions if a journalist from a State-owned outlet could face such treatment.

He also expressed concern over what he described as an attempt by a State official to prioritise the interests of a private media network with which he had previously been affiliated, at the expense of a Government media institution.

While noting that a police complaint had been lodged over the incident, Perera said he was seeking the Director General’s intervention, taking into account concerns raised by national and international organisations regarding freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, several media trade unions have also raised concerns over the alleged intimidation with the authorities. However, the PMD and the Government haven’t respond to the allegations so far.