A decision by the government to restrict access to a key Cabinet press briefing has drawn sharp criticism from the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA),
which accuses the administration of threatening media freedom.
The controversy erupted after Shantha Wijesuriya, editor of the Lanka Sky News website and a member of the SLWJA, was denied entry to the weekly Cabinet media briefing on May 8.
Officials cited the lack of a government-issued media ID, despite Wijesuriya holding a press card issued by the International Federation of Journalists and his outlet.
The SLWJA condemned the move, calling it a targeted attempt to silence independent journalists and suppress criticism.
In a letter to Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and other top officials, the association warned that restricting access based on government-issued accreditation risks eroding press freedom and the public’s right to information.
The incident follows the Minister’s recent remarks stating that only journalists with official government IDs would be allowed into such briefings going forward, a policy seen by critics as exclusionary and undemocratic.
With Sri Lanka already ranking 139 out of 180 in the latest global press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders, media watchdogs say the incident reflects a deepening intolerance for dissent.
The SLWJA is calling for the introduction of an independent body to handle journalist accreditation and for immediate steps to ensure fair access to all legitimate media professionals.