Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) commissioned this research study to document the challenges to the safety of journalists in reporting during the people’s protests in Sri Lanka, comparing these to international standards and practices on the safety of journalists, and to make policy recommendations pertaining to all stakeholders, including the policymakers, law enforcement and security forces, media institutions, journalists, and unions.
The research team had consultations with assaulted and affected journalists and media persons (from Colombo, and other regions of the country), relevant government officials, media establishments, media experts, and a police spokesperson.
The report looks at the media landscape, identifies persistent issues and emerging trends, and makes policy recommendations to improve the safety of journalists. The report was presented to representatives from the Ministry of Defense (MOD), Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, and Sri Lanka Police.