Dec 06, Colombo: Media Minister of Sri Lanka Keheliya Rambukwella says there are claims of the media being gagged in the country when the media is engaged in using the freedom enjoyed by the country.

Rambukwella has told parliament that there is a need for a mechanism to measure media freedom.

He has explained that the media in some instances publish articles defamatory of individuals under the guise of media freedom.

He has questioned whether anyone could agree to the publication of such defamatory articles.

According to Rambukwella, freedom was rare during the period of the war, but the situation has now changed.

He has said the freedom prevalent in the country is being used to insult individuals including politicians.

However, he has added that there were also claims that the media is being gagged in the country.