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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?<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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During times when dissent was silenced and voices for change were oppressed, these brave individuals stood unwavering, speaking truth to power. At this crucial moment, as we witness transformative changes, it is our responsibility to honor their courage and sacrifices.<\/p>\n
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Black January serves as a solemn reminder of those who paid the ultimate price for press freedom. It is a month when the Sri Lankan media community demands justice for journalists who were murdered, disappeared, assaulted, and tortured.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s commemoration is especially significant, as strides have been made in addressing crimes committed against journalists like Keith Noyahr, Lasantha Wickrematunge, and others. We also hold onto hope for progress in long-overdue investigations, such as the case of Prageeth Eknaligoda, and justice for individuals like Poddala Jayantha, Sugirdharajan, and Sivaram.<\/p>\n
At a time when many horrific acts of media suppression are being exposed and condemned, it is vital to demand justice for the journalists who paved the way for this news.<\/p>\n
Dharmasiri Lankapeli, General Secretary of the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions, and President Krishni Kanthasamy Ifham reflect on the history of Black January. Tharindu Jayawardena, President of the Young Journalists\u2019 Association, discusses securing the future of journalists.<\/p>\n
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Attorney Swastika Arulingam, Chairperson of the United Federation of Labour, addresses the rights and dignity of media workers.<\/p>\n
This event is not just about remembering the fallen\u2014it is about standing together to protect the rights of today\u2019s journalists. We must collectively fight for fair wages, proper employment contracts, professional dignity, and higher standards for media workers.<\/p>\n
Let us unite to create a new era for Sri Lankan media and demonstrate our solidarity with those who continue to serve as the voice of truth.<\/p>\n
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Krishni Irfam<\/span><\/p>\n President, FMETU,\u00a0From Fort Railway Station on 30\/01\/2025<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10800,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news"],"yoast_head":"\n