Newspaper editors and owners were told not to crticise the government's military activitites including promotions and arms procurement

Editor in Chief of Sunday Lakbima News, Rajpal Abeynayake, told BBC Sandeshaya that Mr. Rajapaksa made the request at a meeting held in Temple Trees on Friday.

The meeting was attended by newspaper editors and owners of media institutions.

Editors were told not to be critical on arms procurements and promotions in the armed forces.

Promotions and arms procurement

“Journalists have nothing to do with the promotions in the armed forces. There will be problems if you go on reporting the promotions,” the president was quoted as saying.

	Mr. Noyahr was brutally assaulted after he wrote on promotions in SLA

President Rajapaksa has told that investigations into the abduction of journalist Keith Noyahr are stalled as the victim does not speak out.

Defence Columnist and the Associate Editor of The Nation newspaper, Keith Noyahr, was brutally assaulted by the abductors days after he wrote on promotions in Sri Lanka Army (SLA).

Rajpal Abeynayake has brought to the notice of the president that Mr. Noyahr is reluctant to give a statement due to threats to his family.

Keith Noyahr and Parameswaree

With regard to the arrest and the later release of journalist Munusamy Parameshwaree, the president has told the senior journalists that she was released because of the pressure by the media.

	Mr. Rajapaksa is described as a 'press freedom predator' by RSF

She was arrested under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) but released after few months in custody as the authorities failed to file charges against her.

Defence Secretary and president’s brother, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who addressed the meeting, has admitted warning journalists about covering the power.

The powerful defence secretary who was described as a ‘press freedom predator’ alongside the LTTE leader by a media watchdog has admitted summoning two journalist union leaders as well as phoning Daily Mirror editor.

Defence Secretary’s threats

The leading five media organisations in Sri Lanka protested Mr. Rajapaksa's threats to union leaders, Sanath Balasuriya and Poddala Jayantha, not to criticise the armed forces.

Daily Mirror editor, Champika Liyanaarachchi, was earlier reportedly threatened with death by Mr. Rajapaksa.

As a defence secretary, it is best to talk to journalists than resorting to any other method Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

"As a defence secretary, it is best to talk to journalists than resorting to any other method," the defence secretary is quoted as saying.

Both the president and the defence secretary have urged editors to call them directly if they have such a threat.

The perceived threats are a misconception, both the president and the defence secretary have insisted.