Colombo — Concerns over press freedom have been raised after Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reportedly sought information regarding journalist Sulochana Ramaiyamohan over an article she shared on social media.
According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), the inquiry relates to an article authored by Sulochana Ramaiyamohan and published in the Ceylon Today newspaper, titled “Govt seeks time to address power ministry issue.” The journalist had later shared the article on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
The social media platform X is said to have notified Sulochana Ramaiyamohan via email that Sri Lanka’s CID had requested information concerning her account. The CID has reportedly claimed that the article contains elements that may violate local laws.
The Original X post by Sulochana Ramaiyamohan
https://t.co/4EzwjaWt9k Ministry official clarified that it is in communication with the Indian company Trident Chemphar Limited, which operates through a local agent in SL. It was further noted that for the second time, the local representation is being handled through #Hayleys pic.twitter.com/LUVvX32jYv
— Sulochana Ramiah M (@sulorammohan) April 12, 2026
However, the Free Media Movement said it had independently reviewed both the published article and the social media post and found no evidence of illegality.
“The basis for requesting the removal of the post or blocking the account remains unclear,” the FMM said in a statement.
The media watchdog described the incident as a “serious instance of undue interference with freedom of expression,” warning that such actions could have a chilling effect on independent journalism.
The organisation also expressed concern about the potential risks faced by the journalist, particularly in light of her reporting on the country’s ongoing energy crisis, which has been linked to allegations of corruption.
The Free Media Movement said it is in the process of informing relevant local and international stakeholders and is continuing further inquiries into the matter.