By: The World Ambassador
TWA
________
The South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the alarming trend of weaponizing state institutions and emergency regulations by the Government of Sri Lanka to intimidate and silence journalists.
SAJF extends full solidarity to the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions (FMETU) and the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) in their principled stand against these repressive actions.
FMETU has rightly raised objections to the Criminal Investigation Department’s misuse of authority to summon and harass journalists under the pretext of inquiries, including the recent attempt to intimidate Aruna newspaper’s Chief Editor Mahinda Ileperuma. SLWJA has likewise expressed strong protest against the statement by the Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, who instructed police officials to arrest individuals—journalists included—under emergency regulations for alleged defamatory remarks against the President.
These developments form part of a disturbing pattern in which the Sri Lankan authorities appear increasingly willing to deploy extraordinary powers to curb free expression, pressure the media, and suppress legitimate journalistic scrutiny. The use of emergency laws to arrest or classify journalists as “accused persons” is a blatant violation of democratic norms, international standards, and Sri Lanka’s obligations toward ensuring media rights.
SAJF President Geetartha Pathak said:
“Emergency powers are intended for disaster response and public safety—not for muzzling journalists or criminalising free expression. The intimidation of the media in Sri Lanka is a warning sign for democracy in the entire region. SAJF fully supports FMETU and SLWJA in their efforts to defend press freedom and resist state overreach.”
SAJF Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed added:
“The attempt to frame journalists as offenders under emergency regulations is unacceptable and dangerous. It reflects an authoritarian drift that threatens the fundamental rights of citizens. SAJF stands firmly with Sri Lankan journalists and demands that the government immediately withdraw all forms of harassment, respect due process, and ensure that no emergency powers are used to restrict media freedom.”
SAJF calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to:
Cease all intimidation, summoning, and targeting of journalists under emergency laws.
Uphold democratic freedoms and ensure that law enforcement agencies do not pre-judge or criminalise journalistic work.
Engage constructively with media bodies to strengthen—not weaken—press freedom.
The South Asia Journalists Federation reiterates that an independent, fearless, and unhindered media is essential for democracy, accountability, and disaster-response transparency.
