State Minister Eran Wickremaratne today clarified his previous tweet that defended "black media" in the face of growing social media criticism over their questionable conduct. 

Wickremaratne's comments came after several civil organizations staged protests opposite all mainstream media institutions yesterday demanding fair and ethical coverage. The protest came against the backdrop where many media institutions in the country supported President Maithripala Sirisena's move to appoint former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister on October 26, triggering a 51-day political standoff. 

It was Prime Minister Rani Wickremesinghe who described the media institutions blatantly supporting the constitutional crisis as "back media". The Prime Minister's statement was endorsed by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and they even called for parliamentary action against those who engineered and supported the "coup." 

Wickremaratne tweeted last week condemning the "acts of intimidation on the media."

"I believe that unbiased reporting is the responsibility of media institutions. Nevertheless, freedom of expression is a democratic right. Neither of these values should be compromised. I condemn acts of intimidation on the media that curtail our citizens' democratic rights," the State Minister said, setting off a firestorm of social media criticism. 

Many blamed Wickremaratne, a senior banker turned politician, for discreetly defending media institutions that supported the "constitutional coup". 

Today, in another tweet, Wickremaratne clarified that he did not mean to undermine society's right to peaceful protest.

"I have unintentionally upset people in a previous tweet. I believe a free press is fundamental to democracy while media has a duty to report responsibly. I understand some media felt threatened by civil society protests, but their right to peaceful protest must be protected," he added.