PRESS STATEMENT
03 December 2025
SAJF Stands in Solidarity with FMETU and SLWJA; Condemns Sri Lankan Government’s Misuse of Emergency Powers to Suppress Media Freedom
The South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the alarming trend of weaponising 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.
Statement issued by:
Shekel Ahmed
Secretary General
South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF)
