Journalists say that apart from a few key ministers in the current government, there seems to be a tendency for other ministers and MPs to avoid the media.
Journalists, especially those associated with the English print media, are facing a serious crisis due to this situation. The most recent example of this is Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, who has been severely avoiding the media since his appointment to the cabinet. His failure to engage with the English print media has confused journalists and reporters .
A former chartered accountant, he does not have a language problem and there is suspicion in the field whether they are keeping quiet as per an internal decision of the party. Due to this situation, journalists covering the sports sector have been deprived of the opportunity to ask him for his views on current issues related to sports.
At least women’s newspapers have not been able to discuss Ambiga Samuel, a very popular new MP. All the newspaper articles published about her in the past few months have been prepared based on YouTube programs published many months ago. Journalists point out that this situation is hindering the people’s right to information.
There is a widespread opinion that the reason for this situation is an unofficial banned by the government against certain MPs and ministers.