Several media organisations including the Free Media Movement (FMM) has written to Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Hemantha Herath condemning the latter's statemet on "third class journalists" being killed in the past.

On the sidelines of a press conference at the ministry, Herath said journalists must uphold a high level of professionalism and "third class" journalists were killed in the past.

This comment sparked outrage on social meda as many demanded an apology from the Health Ministry official.

Among those who qustioned Dr. Herath's statement was Ahimsa Wickrematunge, the daughter of slain journalist Lasantha Wickremetunga.

It is in this context that several media organisations have written to the senior official on his statement.

The Health Ministry Spokesman, however, is yet to respond to the criticism.