Opposition presidential candidate Retired General Sarath Fonseka has barred all the government media from covering his main event in Colombo Yesterday.

The National TV, ITN, SLBC and Lake House journalists have been removed from the media briefing held Thursday at the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel to launch his election manifesto.

"We were removed from the venue under the instruction of General Fonseka few minutes before the manifesto launch," the Journalists told the Election Commissioner last evening.

They have lodged a formal complaint before the Commissioner for violation of their fundamental media right to cover the news event.

"General Fonseka clearly violated the Journalists' right to information," National TV Additional Director General Dewapriya Abeysinghe told ColomboPage.

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has protested Fonseka's decision of banning national media from covering his events.

"It's funny that he is pledging to protect media freedom if he is elected and now banning all national media organizations of covering his own events," Minister quipped.

Meanwhile, Free Media Moment, country's main media watchdog is mum over the incident and not available for comments.

Source: Colombo Page