The Federation of Media Workers Trade Unions issuing a statement condemns summoning Aruna newspaper editor to the CID:
The Federation of Media Workers Trade Unions (FMETU) strongly supports Aruna newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Mahinda Ileperuma, in refusing to comply with a CID summons regarding an article published on 19 November 2025. FMETU argues that the summons is an attempt to intimidate the media rather than a genuine investigation. They criticise the CID for pre-emptively labelling the article as “false news” and acting on political pressure, noting that the CID has no authority to regulate media or determine truthfulness, and that criminal defamation laws do not exist in the country.
FMETU stresses that journalists are not above the law and have cooperated with legitimate investigations in the past, citing previous visits to the CID by Aruna editors and other journalists. However, they reject politically motivated intimidation disguised as investigations. The organisation calls on the media community to unite against suppression and defend professional integrity.
The Free Media Movement of Sri Lanka issuing a statement called it an abuse of the Parliamentary Privileges Act:
he Free Media Movement condemns the summoning of Derana Aruna editor Mahinda Illeperuma by the police, calling it an abuse of the Parliamentary Privileges Act—a law they have long opposed for enabling media suppression. They criticise the current government for using this repressive law despite previously campaigning against it. The summons relates to a news item stating that, in addition to a Grama Niladhari certificate, a certificate from the Public Security Committee Chairman is required for police reports. The Movement argues this requirement is unjustified and politically biased.
They urge Minister Ananda Wijepala to respond through the right of reply rather than coercion, warning that citing the Privileges Act sets a dangerous precedent. The statement reiterates that the Act should not be used to shield politicians from scrutiny and calls for comprehensive reforms to uphold promises of eradicating corruption. The Movement insists journalists must not be intimidated and that the police should seek information without harassment.