May 01, Colombo (LNW): A leading organisation representing digital media professionals has condemned a new regulation introduced by Sri Lanka’s Department of Government Information, describing it as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic transparency.
According to the Professional Web Journalists Association, a recent decision by the department now makes it compulsory for journalists to obtain official government-issued media accreditation in order to gain access to post-Cabinet media briefings—an event traditionally open to a broader spectrum of media personnel, including independent and online platforms.
In a strongly worded statement, the association criticised the new measure as an unjustifiable barrier to journalistic practice, warning that it undermines the public’s fundamental right to information.
The group expressed grave concern that this development signals an alarming shift towards state control over media access, which could pave the way for selective inclusion and censorship.
“This requirement not only restricts journalistic activity but also casts a shadow over the government’s commitment to democratic principles,” the association noted. “Any attempt to filter who may or may not cover vital governmental proceedings betrays the spirit of transparency that must underpin any functioning democracy.”
The association further called upon the authorities to reverse the decision without delay, insisting that such restrictive practices risk alienating independent journalists and digital media outlets—many of whom play an increasingly vital role in delivering real-time, investigative, and community-based news to the public.
They warned that shrinking space for independent media would not only damage the international perception of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions but also foster a climate of self-censorship, fear, and institutional mistrust.
Reaffirming its commitment to defend the principles of free expression, the group pledged to continue advocating for unrestricted access to public information and to uphold the tenets of ethical journalism.
In an age where digital platforms have become central to shaping public opinion and holding power to account, the association argued, the government must recognise that media diversity is not a threat but a necessity in a healthy democratic society.
