We, the undersigned media organisations, strongly condemn the defamatory and potentially violence-inciting campaign directed at Sandhya Eknaligoda following the return of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera to prison to serve his remaining sentence.
We are deeply concerned that this campaign could endanger Ms Eknaligoda’s personal safety while further fuelling the climate of hatred and intolerance that undermines democratic values and social harmony in Sri Lanka. The use of media platforms to stigmatise, threaten or incite hostility against individuals is incompatible with the principles of responsible journalism and a democratic media culture.
For more than 16 years, Ms Eknaligoda has sought truth and justice for her husband, Prageeth Eknaligoda, the journalist who disappeared in January 2010. She has continued to speak publicly in defence of his rights and to demand accountability for his disappearance. She must not be subjected to intimidation, vilification or threats for pursuing justice through lawful means.
Ven. Gnanasara Thera is currently serving a sentence following his conviction for contempt of court over charges that he influenced the Homagama Magistrate to grant bail to suspects in the case concerning the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda. The complaint was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Homagama Magistrate, while Ms Eknaligoda represented the aggrieved party in the case.
In August 2018, Ven. Gnanasara Thera was sentenced to six years’ rigorous imprisonment. He was released in May 2019 following a presidential pardon. On August 8, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the pardon was arbitrary and unlawful, invalidating it. The legal consequences of that judicial decision cannot reasonably be used to justify directing hatred or hostility at Ms Eknaligoda, who has pursued justice through the legal system.
Sri Lankan media organisations have consistently defended freedom of expression and continue to uphold this fundamental right. However, freedom of expression cannot be invoked to legitimise threats, incitement to violence or campaigns that endanger the safety and dignity of individuals. The right to express dissent or criticism does not confer a licence to intimidate or dehumanise others.
Article 20(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires states to prohibit by law advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. This obligation underscores the need to distinguish legitimate expression from speech that incites harm.
Given the obvious security concerns, we urge the authorities to act immediately to protect Ms Eknaligoda, uphold the rule of law and prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
Respect for the rule of law cannot depend on whether a judicial decision serves one’s interests or convictions. Similarly, freedom of expression must be exercised with due regard for the rights, dignity and safety of others.
Democracy is strengthened when freedom of expression, human dignity, personal security and the rule of law are upheld together. Acting to uphold these principles is the responsibility of all parties. Political and religious leaders, in particular, must reject attempts to exploit religious or national sentiments for political or personal gain.
We, the undersigned media organisations, urge all concerned to reject hate and intimidation, protect those seeking justice, and contribute to a media and political culture grounded in accountability, tolerance and respect for human rights.
Chandrasekara Dodawatta, Convener, Free Media Movement (FMM)
Ranga Bandaranayake,
President, Sri Lanka Working Journalist Association (SLWJA)
Tharindu Uduwaragedara,
General Secretary, The Federation of Media Employees Trade unions (FMETU)
Hana Ibrahim, Trustee, South Asian Women In Media – Sri Lanka (SAWM)
M.B.M. Fairooz, President, Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF)
Sri Kajan, President, Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance (SLTMA
12th of October 2026/ Media Release