SLWJA Hands Over Groundbreaking Report on Journalist Safety During Galleface Protests to Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) presented a research report on the challenges faced by journalists during the 2022 Galleface protests to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on May 3, 2023, at the Sri Lanka Police Headquarters.

The SLWJA released a research report on the challenges faced by journalists during the 2022 Galleface Protests, which was conducted by Dr Rajni Gamage of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and independent researchers Harindra B. Dasanayake and Aparna Hettiarachi. 

The report covers incidents that took place between March 30 and August 31, 2022, and indicates that journalists in Sri Lanka have long worked in an environment of high social and political instability, highlighting the need for a formal program to protect and promote freedom of expression in the country.

The report emphasizes that it is essential for different levels of society to work together to address these challenges, with a particular focus on building trust between security forces and journalists to minimize conflict reporting and prevent harm to both parties. 

The handover was carried out by Senior Researcher Harindra B. Dasanayake, President of SLWJA Duminda Sampath Acting Secretary S. Nishanthan, Treasurer T. Nadarasa, and Committee Member Lakshman Muthuthantirige.

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana and Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Talduwa received the report on behalf of IGP C. D. Wickramaratne.