(Sri Lanka Brief/ 25 November 2025.)
The Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union (FMETU) has called for an urgent investigation into an incident of verbal abuse allegedly directed at a female journalist within the Parliament Complex, describing it as a “serious affront to media freedom and women’s dignity”.
In a letter addressed to Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyaratne, the Federation’s General Secretary Tharidu Uduwaragedara highlighted reports published in Mawbima newspaper detailing the incident. According to the report, the journalist was verbally insulted by a Deputy Minister of Education from the National People’s Power Party after an interview in the Parliament Library. The official allegedly made derogatory remarks about the journalist’s appearance, saying: “Look at how you look. You are so ugly. You have grown so big.” Witnesses claim the Deputy Minister continued to stare at her body and make insulting comments, leaving the journalist in tears.
Samagi Jana Balawega MP Chamindrani Kiriella raised the matter in Parliament, confirming that the journalist had suffered severe verbal and mental abuse. The Federation stressed that such behaviour inside the country’s legislative chamber undermines democratic values and erodes the dignity of Parliament itself.
“As a woman and Deputy Minister responsible for media affairs, you bear a special responsibility to address this disrespectful and violent act,” the letter stated. It urged Ariyaratne to initiate a formal inquiry and, if the allegations are proven, to take disciplinary and legal action against the Deputy Minister involved. The Federation also called for strict guidelines and rules governing the conduct of MPs and parliamentary staff to prevent similar incidents.
“Verbal abuse and insults directed at journalists, especially women, are absolutely unacceptable,” the statement read. “Your prompt attention and justified action will help uphold the dignity of the media sector.”
The incident has sparked outrage among media professionals and civil society groups, who view it as part of a growing pattern of intimidation against journalists. The Federation emphasised that protecting journalists from harassment is essential to safeguarding press freedom and democratic accountability.