One year after the national elections, how would you describe the current media environment in Sri Lanka? Has political change translated into greater press freedom or continued challenges for journalists?
FMM: At FMM, we see a mix of hope and concern. Many expected political change to bring more freedom for journalists, but progress has been limited. While direct threats have decreased compared to previous years, journalists still face pressure and uncertainty, leading to widespread self-censorship. Economic challenges also affect independent media outlets. Positive discussions on media law reform are ongoing, but real action is yet to happen. Overall, the space for media freedom is slightly more open, yet journalists still face significant challenges.
SLWJA: The new Sri Lankan government marked its first anniversary last month. According to the overall assessment of its performance during the past year, there have been no significant positive changes implemented. The administration has largely continued the same policies pursued by previous governments, without introducing meaningful reforms. Throughout the year, political retaliation has been directed mainly towards opposition politicians, with several arrests made on charges of corruption. However, there has been no tangible progress in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges. Importantly, the government has failed to take any action to ensure justice for crimes committed against journalists by previous administrations and paramilitary groups.
FMETU: The country’s economic crisis continues to impact the media industry, leading to low journalist salaries, resource shortages, and delayed payments. This vulnerability makes journalists more susceptible to external influence and corruption. The line between partisan political activism and professional journalism has blurred, particularly on social media. The call by media bodies to establish a credible system for issuing official media IDs highlights the need to restore professional standards. The NPP has pledged to reopen investigations into past political murders and crimes against journalists (including high-profile cases like Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Eknaligoda), offering a renewed hope for an end to impunity.
The Online Safety Act and the proposed amendments to the Sri Lanka Press Council Act have drawn significant concern from media organisations. How have these laws affected journalists’ ability to report freely and hold power to account?
FMM: FMM has been closely monitoring the Online Safety Act (OSA) and the proposed amendments to the Press Council Act, and we are among the petitioners challenging the OSA in court. These laws create uncertainty and fear, encouraging caution in reporting. Broad powers granted to authorities under these laws could easily be used to silence critical voices. As a result, many journalists feel less confident in reporting freely or holding those in power accountable.
SLWJA: The government has taken no steps to repeal or amend repressive laws that restrict freedom of expression and media freedom. Instead, it has continued to uphold and enforce the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the Online Safety Act (OSA), and the National Media Policy, all of which were introduced under previous governments and have been widely criticised for curbing free expression. Despite repeated appeals from media organisations, the government has shown no willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. As a responsible media trade union, we sought discussions with the new President to raise the long-standing concerns of journalists who have faced threats and harassment under past administrations. Unfortunately, our requests were denied.
https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/blog/detail/category/press-freedom/article/ifjblog-qa-with-sri-lankas-defenders-of-media-freedom
FMETU: The Online Safety Act represents a direct, state-level threat to the mechanism of free expression, compelling journalists toward self-censorship. Conversely, the IMF loan conditions create a structural push toward governmental transparency and accountability that empowers journalists with better access to information and a stronger political mandate to report on corruption and financial mismanagement.
Looking ahead, what steps do you believe are most urgent to safeguard independent journalism and rebuild public trust in Sri Lanka’s media sector?
FMM: FMM believes Sri Lanka urgently needs an independent media commission, free from political influence, to ensure fair regulation, protect journalists’ rights, and promote accountability and ethical standards. Alongside this, strengthening media literacy, public trust, and a safe working environment for journalists is essential. These steps are critical to ensure independent journalism thrives and continues serving the public interest.
SLWJA: We have urged the government not to implement the existing National Media Policy drafted by the previous government, and instead to prepare a new policy through a transparent and consultative process involving all relevant stakeholders in the media industry and civil society. This joint appeal was supported by the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka, the Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka, the Tamil Media Alliance, the Muslim Media Forum, the Sri Lanka Press Institute, and the Sri Lanka College of Journalism. Despite this broad-based and constructive request, the government dismissed our proposal without consideration. The Sri Lankan media community remains committed to advocating for press freedom, transparency, and the protection of journalists. We will continue to stand firm in our demand for a free and independent media environment that upholds democratic values and the public’s right to information.
FMETU: Fully empowering independent anti-corruption bodies to swiftly and impartially investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for past fraud, bribery, and misuse of public funds, regardless of their political affiliation. Guaranteeing the full independence of the judiciary and ending political interference in law enforcement to ensure that the law applies equally to everyone, from the highest officials to the average citizen. Actively pursuing and recovering stolen public assets and money moved abroad to demonstrate that corruption does not pay. Engage in meaningful public consultation on new policies and reforms before they are enacted, instead of after. This includes reviewing and amending legislation like the Online Safety Act to ensure it upholds fundamental rights rather than stifling criticism.
The Free Media Movement (FMM) is a Sri Lankan media freedom watchdog, and trade union since 2023, founded in 1992 by journalists and activists to defend free expression and media rights.
The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) is a trade union for Sri Lankan print, electronic and online journalists founded in 1979 that advocates for professional rights and ethical public-service media.
The Federation of Media Employees and Trade Unions (FMETU) was founded in 2000 as a federation of media industry trade unions representing journalists and media workers in Sri Lanka.