Minister Nalinda Issues Warning to Media Institutions
22-Nov-2025.
A few media outlets in the country are acting irresponsibly by inciting racism and religious extremism in order to advance their own personal agendas. In truth, they should be ashamed.
While operating under the umbrella of media freedom, they cannot be allowed to spread racism by publishing false information. Appropriate action will be taken against these institutions under both institutional regulations and general law, said Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
He stated this while making a special statement during the parliamentary session held on November 20.
He further said:
A leading Sinhala newspaper reported in its main headline that “a certificate from the Civil Security Department is also required, and not only a Grama Sevaka certificate, to obtain a police clearance certificate.” However, no source for this news was mentioned.
The Minister of Public Security clarified in Parliament that this news is completely false. Afterwards, the newspaper issued a correction on the front page.
Similarly, this newspaper also published false news regarding the commemoration of “Maaveerar Day” in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, claiming that the Minister of Public Security had granted permission for the event—another fabrication.
Even those who call themselves prominent journalists are presenting such false reports with enthusiasm in their talk shows. The people of this country know well about this media institution.
A few media institutions are operating improperly by creating racism and religious extremism in the country to secure their own personal positions. They should indeed be ashamed.
These media outlets misuse the people’s right to information to spread racism. When action is taken against them, they claim media suppression and violations of media freedom.
No space can be allowed for the propagation of racism by publishing false information under the guise of media freedom. Appropriate institutional and legal action will be taken against them, he said.
