"It is with deep disquiet that the Free Media Movement recognises the World Press Freedom Day that falls today," the statement said.
"This day is almost a cruel joke in a country farther away from meaningful press freedom than it has ever been in living memory.
"Sri Lanka today is country at war where all parties to the on-going violent conflict treat media freedom and the freedom of expression, amongst other vital human rights, with scant regard."
The FMM also called on the government to undertake complete, transparent and timely investigations into the murder of media practitioners and death threats issued against media practitioners and their families.
It also called a halt to the "dangerous and irresponsible practice of publicly vilifying med