The report, A National Survey of journalists’ working conditions across Sri Lanka”, was launched on 15 May 2025 at Rainbow Resources Lanka. The theme was ” Press under Pressure: a study of journalists’ working conditions in Sri Lanka,” No. 30, Amarasekara Mawatha, Colombo 05. This national survey was conducted by the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions in Sri Lanka, with support from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
The survey sought to expose insights into journalists’ working conditions, challenges, and aspirations across journalists in Sri Lanka.
Responses were collected from media professionals representing 25 districts, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the ground realities faced by journalists in both urban and rural contexts. The survey explored a range of areas, including employment practices, media ethics, access to resources, press freedom, and the right to information.
The findings highlight deep-rooted structural issues within the media industry, from a lack of job security and poor working conditions to editorial interference and unsafe environments. At the same time, the survey captures the strong commitment and resilience of journalists who continue to pursue ethical journalism and serve the public interest despite these obstacles.
This report captures the voices and lived experiences of Sri Lankan journalists. Its purpose is to inform media stakeholders, unions, policymakers, government authorities, and the public while advocating for stronger protections, ethical standards, and institutional support for those who work in journalism and find solutions for these issues.
This media briefing, FMETU General Secretary Dharmasiri Lankapeli, National Organizer Tharindu Uduwaragedara, Ms. President FMETU Krishni Irfam, and comrade Selva Kumar, representing the JaffnaPress Club, spoke about “Tamil-speaking journalists in the North and East also spoke.
Survey Report