Sri Lanka’s civic space and the battle for free speech
The Sri Lankan government has exploited existing laws to target freedoms of expression, speech, and assembly.
Two Sri Lankan journalists questioned, harassed following protest coverage
The two journalists believe that the incident is another form of harassment intended to muzzle their reporting on farmers and marginalized communities.
CPJ calls on Sri Lanka to reconsider bills likely to undermine press freedom
Despite some amendments, the bill retains a vague and overbroad definition of terrorism and “could potentially criminalize nearly all forms of legitimate expression”
Sri Lanka: Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara arrested while covering protest
Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara was arrested and harassed by the police while covering a labor protest. He was released on bail.
Sri Lanka: Comedian and YouTube content creator arrested over Buddhism satire
Sri Lankan comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya was arrested based on allegations that she had made derogatory remarks about Lord Buddha and Buddhist Girl’s Schools.
Sri Lanka: New circular undermines freedom of speech of public officers
The Free Media Movement has called for the withdrawal of the circular issued by the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.
RSF urges Sri Lankan government to stop hounding Tamil journalists
Two journalists have been summoned about their alleged support for the former Tamil armed separatist group.
Sri Lanka: Heightened crackdown on dissent
Human Rights Watch noted that intimidation, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests of demonstrators, civil society activists, lawyers, and journalists are continuing under Sri Lanka’s new government.
Sri Lanka: Security forces attack Galle Face protest site
The Free Media Movement condemns the military for attacking the Galle Face protest site despite an announcement by the activists that they would peacefully disperse.
Free Media Movement seeks probe against police who assaulted journalists during protest
Around 10 journalists in Sri Lanka were assaulted by Special Task Force officers while covering a major protest on 9 July.
Stop the suppression of journalists in Sri Lanka
The Free Media Movement says the actions of Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department against journalists and activists violate the citizens’ right to freedom of expression.
Sri Lanka: Emergency regulations are a threat to freedom of speech and expression
The Free Media Movement condemns the declaration of the state of emergency in defiance of public demands and calls on the President to remove this repressive law immediately.
Sri Lanka: Free Media Movement condemns the government’s repressive actions
The Free Media Movement said restricting freedom of speech is the death knell of democracy.
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.