How can we forget the individuals who struggled for change, who challenged governments, and who envisioned a better tomorrow? How can we overlook those who sacrificed their lives, faced brutal attacks, endured torture, and suffered countless atrocities simply for speaking the truth?

This is why we call upon all journalists in Sri Lanka and every citizen who dreams of a free, democratic society to join us in commemorating Black January.

To mark World Press Freedom Day, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on behalf of the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), releases its 23rd annual South Asia Press Freedom Report, entitled ‘Frontline Democracy: Media Amid Political Churn’.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has already submitted a draft charter for adoption to the United Nations to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and media professionals in the next assembly.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged all member organizations to press their governments to adopt this draft, which the Greek government has already ratified and implemented even before the UN adopted the resolution.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has submitted the draft of this charter to other countries, including Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s member unions, the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions (FMETU), the Free Media Movement (FMM), and the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA), have submitted this drafted charter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. They requested that the Sri Lankan government take necessary steps to give its consent.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs invited us to a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 21 April 2025 to discuss the matter. The meeting was attended by the Convener of the Free Media Movement, Ms. Hana Ibrahim, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Mr. Pabudu Dushyantha, National Organizer of the Media Workers Trade Union Federation, Mr. Tharindu Uduwaragedara, and Deputy General Secretary, Ms. Indira Nawagamuwa, representing the media organizations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, who entered the discussion in a very cordial manner and expressed his agreement to take necessary steps after further discussions regarding the proposal for a charter on the safety and freedom of journalists and media professionals submitted to the United Nations by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) for approval. The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his agreement to take the necessary steps after further discussions regarding the support for its adoption at the United Nations.

A discussion between a group of representatives from the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union and Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Mass Media, was held at the Ministry of Health Auditorium on the 11th. The discussion was held in response to a request made by the Media Workers’ Trade Union Federation.

The Federation of Media Workers’ Trade Unions (FMETU), in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), has begun organizing the proposed Union-to-Union program for 2025.

The Executive Committee of the Federation will hold a preliminary organizational  discussion via Zoom on March 3, 2025. The second discussion will be held on April 6, 2025, and the third discussion will also be held at the Rainbow Institute.

The 2025 program will include a survey on the professional rights of journalists covering the entire island. An online application form is to be designed for this.

“Journalists have a huge role to play as the fourth estate. Journalists in Sri Lanka face numerous challenges as they play their watchdog role to bring critical issues of public interest to the public arena.

The purpose of this survey is to consult representatives from the media and journalist community island-wide to gather information on the status of journalists and their working conditions in Sri Lanka, especially in relation to labor rights compliance.

The findings of this survey will be presented to H. E. the President and other decision-makers, continuing FMETU’s campaign to win better working conditions for Journalists in keeping with international standards and labor rights. ”

The relevant Google Form online link will be provided later.

Veteran journalist and activist for media freedom and social justice, Ms. Seetha Ranjani, passed away. The full condolence message the Media Workers’ Trade Union Federation issued on her passing is below.

Press Statement

February 17, 2025

No more Seetha’s voice! Her ideals endure for centuries!

It is with deep sorrow that the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU) mourns the passing of veteran journalist and social activist Seetha Ranjani, who dedicated decades of her life to fearless journalism and the struggle for media freedom in Sri Lanka.

Justice continues to be denied 16 years on from the assassination of editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, with Sri Lanka’s Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe ordering the release of the three suspects detained in relation to the journalist’s murder.

See below, the full statement as a ‘FMETU Sri Lanka’ issued against the decision of the Attorney General of Sri Lanka to release the accused named in a case related to the murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga.

How can we forget the individuals who struggled for change, challenged governments and envisioned a better tomorrow? How can we overlook those who sacrificed their lives, faced brutal attacks, endured torture, and suffered countless atrocities simply for speaking the truth?

This is why we call Fort Railway Station 30/01/2025 upon all journalists in Sri Lanka and citizens who dream of a free, democratic society to join us in commemorating Black January.