April 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Free Media Movement (FMM) has voiced unease over what it describes as a troubling development involving journalist Sulochana Ramaiyamohan, who has reportedly come under the attention of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following a recent article on the country’s energy sector challenges.
In a statement, the FMM said the CID had approached the social media platform X, seeking details linked to the journalist’s account. Ramaiyamohan had used the platform to share a piece she wrote for a local publication examining delays and administrative issues within the Power Ministry amid the ongoing energy crunch.
According to the organisation, the platform alerted the journalist via email about the request, indicating that authorities believe the content in question could breach domestic legal provisions. However, the FMM noted that its own review of both the published article and the accompanying post found nothing that would warrant such action.
The group has questioned the rationale behind the inquiry, pointing out that no clear justification has been offered for potentially restricting access to the post or pursuing further measures against the account. It warned that such steps, if left unchecked, could have a chilling effect on independent reporting.
Describing the situation as a matter of serious concern, the FMM said it plans to engage with both local authorities and international media rights organisations to seek clarification. It also indicated that it would continue monitoring the case closely.
The organisation further highlighted potential risks faced by the journalist, noting that her reporting touches on the sensitive issue of the energy crisis, which has increasingly drawn public scrutiny and allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
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