CIVICUS discusses restrictions on press freedom in Sri Lanka with human rights defender and journalist Sunanda Deshapriya.

Sri Lanka marks the 16th anniversary of the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga amid growing calls for press freedom and accountability. A coalition of rights groups and journalists has petitioned the authorities to strengthen media protections and called for the repeal of laws that stifle media freedom and criminalise dissent. Civil society also calls for independent investigations into past violence against journalists and the establishment of an independent media commission.

What’s the state of press freedom in Sri Lanka?

Press freedom is under significant threat, with restrictive laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Online Safety Act (OSA) posing major challenges.

The PTA, introduced in 1979, has long been used to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression. Despite repeated promises to repeal or amend it, the authorities continue to use it against journalists, activists and human rights defenders who criticise the government.

The authorities also use this law to silence minorities and create a climate of fear that perpetuates repression. They use terrorism charges to justify arrests and other actions against those commemorating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, also known as the Tamil Tigers, a militant organisation once based in east and north Sri Lanka. This is a particularly sensitive issue in Sri Lanka’s ongoing ethnic conflict. For example, a Tamil activist was recently arrested simply for sharing a photograph linked to Tamil militant leader Prabhakaran.

Similarly, the OSA has recently given the government broader powers to censor online content and punish individuals and media outlets. The government has used them to block news organisations and silence criticism. For example, it banned New Centre media from publishing a report on television. Because of its broad scope, this law has had a chilling effect.

Taken together, these two laws have created a hostile environment for freedom of expression, online and offline, further reducing the space for independent journalism in Sri Lanka. The use of state-owned media outlets for government propaganda exacerbates the problem. In a clear attempt to further increase political influence over the media, the government recently entered into an agreement with the Chinese state media company Xinhua to train state media journalists. This further reduces the prospects for an independent press and makes it harder for journalists to report on issues without fear of retribution.

In the face of mounting criticism that these repressive laws are not being abolished as promised, the government has announced it will use the PTA carefully until it’s replaced and is halting the implementation of the OSA. While we welcome these announcements, we take them with a pinch of salt, as previous governments made similar statements but didn’t act on them.

What impact did Lasantha Wickramatunga’s murder have on Sri Lankan journalism?

The 2009 assassination of Wickramatunga, founder of the Sunday Leader newspaper, is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists who challenge authority. Known for his investigative reporting on government corruption, human rights abuses and the military’s role in the civil war, Wickramatunga was murdered in broad daylight in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, sending a chilling message to other journalists that those who expose uncomfortable truths can face deadly consequences.

Despite international condemnation, little progress was made in the investigation, especially after Gotabaya Rajapaksa, then defence secretary, became president. Under the current government, which came to power in September 2024, the case has stalled, with the reopened investigation being slowed down by bureaucratic inaction, a lack of evidence and a lack of political will.

Wickramatunga’s last editorial, published posthumously, blamed the government for his death. While his murder remains unsolved, it has galvanised press freedom advocates and highlighted the urgent need for protection for journalists and accountability for those who threaten them.

What reforms are needed to protect press and media freedom?

Sri Lanka urgently needs reforms to protect press freedom. The Press Council Act of 1973 needs to be updated to meet international standards, and the Parliamentary Privileges Act of 1978 needs to be amended to allow journalists to report freely on parliamentary proceedings. Contempt of court laws also need clearer definitions to prevent misuse against critical reporting. In addition, the sixth constitutional amendment, which restricts speech on separatism, should be repealed so it isn’t used as a tool of censorship.

Structural reforms are also essential. State media should be transformed into independent public broadcasters, free from political interference. The establishment of an independent media commission could help ensure impartiality and accountability in the media.

Although civil society and press freedom groups have consistently pushed for these changes, government resistance has stalled progress. Despite promises, little has been done to improve press freedom or address crimes against journalists. Without genuine political commitment, no meaningful change will be achieved.

How can the international community support press freedom and civil society in Sri Lanka?

The international community can play a crucial role by documenting crimes against journalists and pressuring the Sri Lankan government to ensure accountability, especially in high-profile cases such as Wickramatunga’s. Diplomatic engagement and advocacy through platforms such as the United Nations can highlight the risks journalists face and push for action.

Funding and technical support for local civil society and press freedom groups can also help strengthen their efforts to hold the government to account. Support for campaigns, such as those demanding justice for murdered journalists, can bring about meaningful change.

While the Sri Lankan government may resist outside influence, a coordinated international response focused on accountability, support for local civil society and promotion of press freedom can foster safer conditions for journalists and strengthen the foundations of an independent press.