It has been reported that the Presidential Media Division was pressured not to publish a photograph of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, taken by a journalist during the National People’s Power May Day rally.
The photograph, captured by Lahiru Harshana, a photojournalist for the *Lankadeepa* newspaper, has become the subject of controversy. Harshana was allegedly forced to withdraw the image due to pressure from certain parties connected to the government.
The photograph shows President Dissanayake addressing the rally at Galle Face on May 1, with his hands raised and mouth open. In the background, a stage decoration featuring the hammer and sickle—the emblem of communism—is visible.
Initially, Harshana shared the image on his Facebook account, but he later removed it, citing reactions he received after posting. Following the removal, he posted a note saying, “The interpretation of a photo changes according to one’s opinion. The photo had to be removed.”
Harshana is affiliated with the *Lankadeepa* newspaper. Reports indicate that after he posted the photo, Presidential Media Director General Prasanna Perera called the *Lankadeepa* office and requested that the image not be published.
Additionally, certain individuals associated with the National People’s Power media division allegedly urged those who had shared the photo on social media to take it down. The incident has sparked critical discussions on social media, with many voicing concerns over censorship and the pressure exerted on journalists.