Journalists were questioned on revealing details of the blast

Questioning of two journalists under PTA did not indicate that the government is trying to use the draconian laws against media, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told BBC Sandeshaya.

Lake house journalists Ranga Jayasuriya and Lionel Yodhasinghe were questioned by the police after Sunday Observer published details of the investigation into the attempted murder of Defense Secretary, Gothabhaya Rajapaksa.

Fighter jets

Sunday Observer said there have been telephone conversations between the suspected suicide bomber and the Defense Ministry.

"The journalists have the right not to reveal the source but anybody can be asked to make a statement in order to safeguard the national security," The Defense Affairs spokesman told bbcsinhala.com.

He also denied the PTA being used to stop media investigations into alleged corruption while buying MIG fighter jets from Ukraine.

The Defense Secretary, President Rajapaksa's brother, promised to reveal details of the deal to media.

But the journalists say no details revealed using PTA "as an excuse".

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella denied accusations that a close relative of President Rajapaksa is involved in the scandal.