Police control over media content a grave threat to press freedom: Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions
Posted on December 27th, 2025
Courtesy Hiru News
The Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions (FMETU) has issued a statement warning that media freedom is being completely undermined by the police gaining the power to decide on media content.
The Federation emphasises that police intervention to determine whether a report is “accurate” or not is a direct threat to both democracy and the public’s right to information.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Tharindu Uduwaragedara, the FMETU highlights a dangerous trend: the state machinery using regulatory bodies as tools to suppress media outlets that are not to its liking.
Furthermore, the Federation stresses that police power must not be used to intimidate or suppress media institutions.
The statement concludes by unconditionally condemning such actions.