FMM raises concerns over journalist facing CID scrutiny on energy crisis article

Colombo, April 18 (Daily Mirror) - The Free Media Movement (FMM) has raised concerns after journalist Sulochana Ramaiyamohan reportedly came under scrutiny by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over an article related to the country’s ongoing energy crisis.

According to a media release issued by the FMM, the CID has sought information from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) regarding Ramaiyamohan’s account. The journalist had shared an article she authored for a local newspaper on her X profile.

The platform has reportedly notified Ramaiyamohan via email about the request, stating that the CID’s inquiry is linked to her article titled “Govt Seeks Time to Address Power Ministry Issue.” The article discusses matters connected to the government’s handling of the energy crisis.

X has further indicated that the CID claims the content of the article may violate Sri Lankan law.

However, the Free Media Movement said it had reviewed both the original newspaper article and the related social media post and found no evidence of illegal content.

The organisation questioned the basis for the CID’s request, noting that the reasons behind seeking to remove the post or potentially block the account remain unclear.

Describing the incident as a serious concern, the FMM said it could represent undue interference with freedom of expression. The group added that it intends to raise the issue with relevant local and international stakeholders while continuing its own inquiries.

The FMM also expressed concern over the potential risks faced by Ramaiyamohan, particularly as her reporting touches on the energy crisis, which has been linked to allegations of serious corruption.