On September 5, 2024, the Federation of Media Employees’ Union, guided by the International Federation of Journalists, presented an investigative report that covered the entire island. Journalists, media organization leaders, and intellectuals with interest in media contributed to this extensive study.
At the press conference announcing the report, Dharmasiri Lankapeli, General Secretary of FMETU, stated that the media industry in Sri Lanka should be reformed into a public service media entity. He added that proposals relating to this reform will be presented to media executives, presidential candidates, and relevant officials shortly.
Aimed at establishing a national media development policy and safeguarding the professional rights and security of journalists, the report highlights numerous challenges the media industry faces and offers proposals for necessary reforms. The survey involved journalists, media executives, and civil society participants. In collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the federation plans to pursue joint action to implement these reforms.
At the press conference, the report was handed over to Mrs. Menik Mendis, communication specialist, and journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, president of the Young Journalists Association.
Federation National Organizer Tharindu Uduwaragedara spoke at the event, “For this survey, we engaged with over 250 journalists across Sri Lanka, gathering insights and feedback. The survey delved into the challenges facing the media industry, the barriers to media freedom, the difficulties faced by media professionals due to media organizations, and the broader threats to media freedom, including restrictive regulations and ordinances. We aim to create an environment where the media industry can function as a true public service. We recognize that journalists, media platforms, workers, and owners are facing significant challenges. This report outlines those challenges, focusing on professional safety and media reporting obstacles, while also offering recommendations for solutions.”
The press conference was summarized in Tamil by Mrs. Krishni Irfan, President of the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, and in English by Ms. Shareefa Thahir, Executive Committee Member of FMETU. Mr. Anuradha Priyadarshana, an executive member representing the Galle district, also participated in the event.