The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned an incident where Minister Sarath Fonseka had allegedly threatened an online journalist over a news report. 

Fonseka, a Field Marshal and the highest ranking Army officer in the country, was previously the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army. 

"The IFJ urges the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that press freedom is not violated and journalists are allowed to work independently," the statement said.

It also added, "Minister Field Marshal Fonseka called Hemantha Kahawalage, the news editor of the Neth FM radio, demanding the reaction of a new item on the website. The report was about links between a senior minister and criminals, although the minister was not named.

Kahawalage requested a letter from the Minister, if the news was incorrect and the Minister threatened him saying: “Let’s clash and see what happens.” The minister also demanded an apology to named criminals.

“The IFJ condemn the tclarification hreat by Sri Lankan Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka to the news editor of Neth FM over published news. It’s regrettable that instead of using the available legal channels to refute the news, the minister chose to call and ask the editor for an unethical act; and threaten him when he refused. The IFJ urges the Sri Lankan government to take a note and ensure such act is not repeated; and media are allowed to report independently without fear of reprisal.”