It evolved out of the standing committee of journalists, which was formed in late 1991.
The standing committee was formed by a group of journalists and media personnel as a reaction to the then government of Sri Lanka introducing a Media Commission.
It also has called for reform of legislation,[2] agitating against censorship and intimidation of media personnel and standing for broad principles of democratic and human rights.
[1][3][4] It also has developed an extensive network of links with other media freedom and human rights groups locally and internationally.
[1][5] The Sri Lankan defense ministry alleged that FMM is a controversial[6] organization.