Articles by Free Media Movement
Sri Lanka: Journalist Parami Nilepthi banned from Rupavahini TV for criticizing the government
Journalist Parami Nilepthi Ranasinghe was ordered to stop reporting for Sri Lanka’s national television Rupavahini, after the president’s office informed the network that she criticized the government on her Facebook account.
Free Media Movement condemns attack on the residence of journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama
The house of Sri Lankan journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama was attacked by unidentified armed men on 14 February. Samarawickrama has recently tackled corruption in the government on his talk show.
Sri Lanka: Free Media Movement says Azath Salley’s case highlights abuse of legal system
Azath Salley was arrested in March 2021 and was detained without bail, as he was charged under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act. He was accused of making statements that harm ethnic and religious harmony during a media briefing.
Sri Lanka: Historic court verdict disqualifying an official was obtained through the Right to Information Act
An elected local politician was removed from his position after a court nullified his election victory based on information that he bribed voters. The information was obtained through the Right to Information Act. The court ruling was hailed as a landmark victory for advocates of the Right to Information.
Sri Lanka: Free Media Movement condemns arrest of protesting teachers and activists
Free Media Movement reminded Sri Lanka authorities that the “suppression of protests demanding solutions to issues affecting the people and the arrest of activists who lead them is a violation of the freedom of speech and expression.”
Sri Lanka authorities urged to protect whistleblowers instead of forcing journalists to reveal their sources
The Free Media Movement said pressuring journalist Sajeeva Wijeweera to disclose his sources is a violation of the Right to Information Act and a threat to media freedom.
Sri Lanka: Free Media Movement said ‘fake news’ bill could undermine freedom of expression
Free Media Movement said the bill intended to curb false and misleading online posts could be detrimental to freedom of expression. It was approved by the Cabinet on 20 April.
Sri Lanka: Groups express concern over the president’s statement about the media
Sri Lanka’s Media Organisations Collective said the recent statement by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa about the media gave “a dangerous signal of an ominous threat to the freedom of media and expression” in the country.