JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 29, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channelNewsrooms of the state-owned media in Sri Lanka were targeted and editorial staff harassed following the controversial appointment of former President Mahinda Rajapaksha as the new prime minister by President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26, 2018.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) to express serious concerns over the implications of the ongoing political situation on media and journalists, and urges all to uphold press freedom, editorial independence and journalists’ rights.
After Mahinda Rajapaksha was sworn-in on October 26, members of the unions loyal to Rajapaksha’s Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) moved in to take control of state-owned institutions. Senior editorial staff at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), the Independent Television Network (ITN), the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) kept away from the offices.
According to reports, a group of SLPP loyalists within ANCL barged into the layout section of the Daily News on October 26 night and changed the layout telling that they were acting under orders from the PM’s office. Similarly, the staff at the Sunday Observer were pressured to publish a story of Rajapaksa being sworn in and warned not to report any stories regarding Wickremesinghe. Senior journalists at the paper had tweeted protest against it.
At ITN, several journalists were also forced out. Subash Jayawardena, ITN’s Deputy General Manager (DGM) – News and Current Affairs, told the Sunday Times: “I was warned to leave... As we were leaving in the office vehicle, we were stopped at the gate by Rajapaksa supporters who ordered us out of the vehicle, shouting that our time was done. However, some other ITN staff members intervened and they managed to help us leave the premises safely.”
The government announced appointments of new acting chairs at state media institutions, including Wasanthapriya Ramanayake at the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL), Dr. Somarathna Dissanayake at ITN and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and Sarath Kongahage at Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).
Duminda Sampath, the SLWJA President, said: “The SLWJA has been reported that the state media institutions have been attacked outsiders (sic) and interfered their works illegally and unethically, and sacked the journalists… the SLWJA strongly condemn the ongoing harassment of the journalists.”
The SLWJA also called for unity among journalists for their career, pride, and protection of journalists reminding all of the proud histories of journalists who bravely performed their duties despite the difficult political situation.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is seriously concerned by the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, and the harassment of journalists at the state media institutions by politically motivated members. Upholding press freedom, editorial independence and journalists’ rights is a basic component of a democracy and the IFJ urges all to respect it, and ensure that the pillar of democracy is not affected.”
November 09, 2024: In a sharp rebuttal, anchor Asma Shirazi responded to Moeed Pirzada's allegations, calling him a one-time puppet of the establishment and questioning his commitment to democratic values and human rights.
November 08, 2024: The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.
November 08, 2024: Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.
November 06, 2024: Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.
November 04, 2024: Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.
November 04, 2024: The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.
November 02, 2024: On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.
October 28, 2024: A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.
November 12, 2024 Al Jazeera Media Institute invites experienced journalists to apply for its 2024 Fellowship Program, offering a unique opportunity to conduct journalism research and engage with Al Jazeera editors.
November 12, 2024 The Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Journalism, Media, and Globalisation is accepting applications for the 2025-2027 program. Apply by January 10, 2025, to join a global cohort with financial support and unique career opportunities.
November 11, 2024 Apply for the Rest & Resilience Fellowship, a six-month program by Reporters Without Borders Germany (RSF) and the Taz Panter Foundation, supporting journalists from countries with restricted press freedom.
November 11, 2024 Explore the challenges of covering controversial topics in sports journalism, from ethics to maintaining objectivity. This article highlights the critical role of journalists in reporting on sensitive issues like scandals, ethics, and social impact within the sports world.
November 11, 2024 Explore how AI is transforming e-commerce through personalization, chatbots, predictive analytics, and automation, making online shopping more intuitive and efficient for both consumers and businesses.