The Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday called some media organisations and NGOs "traitorous forces".
Addressing an event for the armed forces, Mr Sirisena was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying, "national security should be maintained without belittling it".
“Some factions act without understanding this. Sometimes, it appears, some media organisations, journalists, NGOs and various traitorous forces do this,” he added.
His comments, which are reminiscent of his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa, added that he "was not ready to compromise on national security in order to please NGOs".
"I have to say this clearly: some media behaved in an unacceptable manner abusing the media freedom that exists today. But, no matter how much they criticize, oppose or attack me, I will never lose confidence in the armed forces and will always be committed to do the utmost for the welfare, honour and dignity of the three armed forces and our heroic soldiers."
"We must not forget for a moment that there are certain groups and organisations that are ideologically in favour of separatism. These have not been destroyed and are waiting for an opportunity to create trouble in Sri Lanka. We must defeat them by hook or by crook. That is why we must win the confidence of the global community. We must not, at any moment, lower our guard with regard to national security."
"I am used to criticism and vituperative politics. But I cannot be dictated to because of the agendas of some NGOs and certain media organisations. Those who give wrong interpretations of our work must not poke their fingers into the affairs of the government,” he added.