Media rights activists have raised serious concerns over press freedom after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) summoned Mahinda Illeperuma, Editor-in-Chief of Aruna newspaper, for questioning over a report on police clearance procedures.
The article in question claimed that applicants seeking police clearance certificates were required to obtain an endorsement from the local Public Security Committee.
The government later dismissed the report as false.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament that no such requirement exists and no official circular has been issued by his ministry or the Police.
Opposition figures, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, however, argued that the report reflected reality, noting that applicants are in practice being asked to submit recommendations from the Public Security Committee to obtain certificates.
Media rights activists described the CID summons as an intimidation tactic against the press.
Uvindu Kurukulasuriya, former Press Complaints Commission Director and former Free Media Movement convener, urged Illeperuma not to appear in person, suggesting investigators should visit his office instead.
The controversy follows conflicting statements in Parliament regarding police clearance procedures.
SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka highlighted inconsistencies, noting that while the Minister of Public Administration acknowledged a requirement for local committee certification, Health MInister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa and Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala later denied it.
Deputy Public Security Minister Sunil Watagala attempted to clarify the matter, saying the position of the subject minister should be accepted and that no endorsement from Public Security Committees is required. He accused the opposition of misleading the public.
Earlier, Minister Wijepala condemned the newspaper report as fake news and confirmed he had lodged a complaint with the CID, citing inaccurate and vague information attributed to Grama Niladhari officials.
Leave a comment