Information Department suspends media IDs for non-essential officials

By Indika Sri Aravinda

The Department of Information has suspended the issuance of media identity cards to media secretaries of ministers and officials of government institutions.  

Department Director General Harsha Bandara, said a large number of media identity cards had been issued in the past, with some media institutions applying without restrictions. However, he noted that applications have declined this year, and officials who previously received cards were not issued new ones this time.  

As a result, the total number of media identity cards issued in 2025 has fallen to 4,800, less than half of the 8,100 cards issued in 2024.  

Bandara emphasized that this move is not a media crackdown, pointing out that previous Director General’s of Information have also held media identity cards. He added that he personally has declined to obtain one.