Journalists under increasing threat as elections near
A BBC Sinhala service reporter was hospitalised after a political mob, apparently linked to supporters of an agriculture minister, attacked her as she was covering the event.
Critical journalist granted bail
JS Tissainayagam, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for criticising the handling of an offensive against Tamil Tiger militants, has been granted bail pending appeal.
Wickramatunge killers remain unpunished
One year after the editor’s murder, there has been little credible progress in the investigation into an event that caused worldwide outrage.
Media organisations submit “reform agenda” to presidential candidates
Eight organisations, including FMM, presented an agenda of reform for media freedom to the candidates participating in the 2010 presidential election.
IFJ mission identifies key challenges for media after war’s end
IFJ has released the report of a press freedom mission to Sri Lanka, identifying key challenges for the country’s journalists and media.
RSF calls for calm amid pre-electoral tension
Parties and candidates participating in January 2010 elections must make press freedom and the protection of journalists a priority, says RSF.
Discharge of magazine publisher and partner welcomed
The state attorney reportedly informed the court that there was no evidence linking the accused with any terrorist act or organisation.
RSF concerned over spate of threats to print media
RSF is urging the authorities to investigate threatening letters received by two journalists who work for the Leader Publications media group.
Newspaper journalist threatened at her home
Unidentified men tried to force their way into the home of “Irudina” journalist Dileesha Abeysundera on 28 September 2009.
FMM, media groups urge president to free Tissanayagam
(FMM/IFEX) – The publication of two articles by J.S. Tissanayagam in Sri Lanka’s monthly magazine “The North Eastern” came at a price: 20 years’ hard labour. The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association, the Free Media Movement, the Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum, the […]
IFJ welcomes expert report on jailing of journalist
The report of the International Commission of Jurists on the trial of J. S. Tissainayagam vindicates the criticism of the 20-year jail term imposed on him, says IFJ.
Three journalists held without charge
Three journalists with “Lanka Irida” newspaper were arrested on 2 September 2009 by police in Deniyaya region.
Journalist sentenced to 20-year jail term under terror law
The IFJ condemned a 20-year jail term against J.S. Tissainayagam and accused authorities of abusing anti-terror laws to silence peaceful critics.
Death threat deals new blow to free expression
The Sri Lankan government is solely responsible for ensuring the safety of prominent activist Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, says Freedom House.
Media banned from covering local elections in two northern cities
RSF is outraged by the Sri Lanka government’s decision not to allow journalists into the northern cities of Vavuniya and Jaffna to cover the first local elections to be held since the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels.
Media groups condemn re-activation of Press Council Law
Several media groups wrote a letter to the Minister of Media and Information, questioning the re-activation of the controversial Press Council Law.