The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expressed concern on Thursday over the intimidation of The Hindu's journalist in Sri Lanka, Meera Srinivasan following the publishing of an article stating that President Sirisena had told a cabinet meeting that India's RAW was attempting to assassinating him. 

"The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Free Media Movement – Sri Lanka (FMM) in expressing concerns over the intimidation and urges the Sri Lankan authority to ensure no further threat is made," the organisation said in a statement. 

FMM Convener C Dodawatta said, “The allegations against the Hindu correspondent Meera Srinivasan by the government and its supporters regarding her reportage about a statement made at the cabinet meeting go beyond the right of reply and have become a threat violating the media freedom and freedom of expression. The FMM feels that this baseless allegation against a Colombo based foreign correspondent is an act of bullying and draw the attention of all concerned to respect the right of a journalist to conceal the source of information.”

“The IFJ is concerned by the Sri Lankan’s government approach towards the journalist’s sources. Witch-hunting sources of journalists and threatening action against them is a violation of press freedom and threatens media independence. The IFJ urges all concerned parties to respect the journalists’ rights and press freedom," the IFJ said.