News

PWJA calls to recall decision on ID requirement for cabinet briefing

Published

2 months ago

April 30, 2025

editor

The Professional Web Journalists Association (PWJA) has expressed concerns over the government’s decision to make state-issued media accreditation cards mandatory for journalists attending the weekly cabinet briefing.

The association was responding to a recent statement made by Minister of Media – Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, who stated that only journalists holding the media accreditation issued by the Department of Government Information would be permitted to attend the weekly Cabinet briefing in the future.

The PWJA further notes that the move restricts media freedom while harming democratic sentiments of the country.

Noting that the PWJA strongly feels that the cabinet briefing should remain open to all media stations and journalists, the collective urges the government and the Department of Government Information to recall this decision immediately.

The PWJA also urges the journalism fraternity to engage in their profession in a manner that safeguards media ethics at all times.

The full statement of the PWJA in Sinhala is shown below.

News

Pillayan had prior knowledge of Easter attacks – Minister (Video)

Published

4 hours ago

July 9, 2025

editor

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says that investigations have revealed that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias “Pilleyan”, had prior knowledge of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Making a special statement in Parliament today (July 09), the minister pointed out that Pilleyan was in custody at the Batticaloa Prison when the attacks took place, and that strong evidence exists that he had prior knowledge of the attacks.

(Video : Voicetube)

News

Student held under PTA for nine months to be produced in court

Published

4 hours ago

July 9, 2025

editor

The case of a 21-year-old student detained for nearly nine months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be taken up in court today (July 9).

Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail, an aviation student from Mawanella, was arrested in October 2024 after posting a video on Instagram showing the Israeli flag being trampled, BBC Sinhala reported.

He was initially taken into custody by Dehiwala Police near the Israeli consular office for failing to carry his national identity card and later released when the document was produced in court.

However, Suhail was re-arrested and remanded under the PTA in connection with the Instagram video, despite the court previously releasing him without bail. His lawyer alleges that no formal charges have been filed and no evidence has been presented by police to support the detention.

The prolonged incarceration has drawn criticism from rights groups, legal experts, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, which has been formally notified. Meanwhile, Suhail’s family has lodged a complaint, calling for his immediate release.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Injured Wanindu ruled out of Bangladesh T20I series

Published

5 hours ago

July 9, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh after suffering a hamstring injury to his right leg.

The injury occurred while he was batting during the third and final ODI of the recently concluded series.

Following a medical evaluation, Hasaranga will return to Colombo to undergo rehabilitation at Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre.

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that no replacement will be added to the T20I squad in his absence.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)