The Journalist harassment Sri Lanka controversy has prompted the SLWJA to urge President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to investigate alleged military and police intimidation.
Journalist harassment Sri Lanka has once again come under the spotlight after the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to intervene over what it described as the unlawful and inhumane harassment of journalist Lahiru Doloswala and his family by military and police personnel.
According to the association, the incident occurred on July 15 when Lahiru Doloswala, Web Editor of The Morning, was driving home with his wife and two children. The SLWJA alleged that his vehicle was struck by a Land Cruiser belonging to the Army Commander’s escort.
The association said Doloswala attempted to record the collision using his mobile phone. However, it alleged that a commando officer threatened him and ordered him to stop filming, leaving both the journalist and his family deeply shaken.
SLWJA Seeks Presidential Intervention
In a letter addressed to President Dissanayake, the SLWJA described the incident as a serious violation of media freedom and civil liberties.
The association further claimed that Doloswala later experienced intimidation at the Welikada Police Station, where he had gone to lodge an official complaint.
According to the SLWJA, approximately 30 military personnel arrived at the police station and obstructed him from filing the complaint.
Although police officers eventually recorded a statement, the association alleged that it was distorted under pressure. It also claimed that video footage stored on Doloswala’s mobile phone was forcibly deleted during the incident.
The association maintained that these actions amounted to unlawful interference with a journalist performing his professional duties.
Association Alleges Rule of Law Is Under Threat
In its appeal, the SLWJA stated that the ordeal lasted for nearly four hours and left lasting psychological trauma on Doloswala, his wife and their two children.
“The mental trauma inflicted upon Mr. Doloswala and his family during this four-hour ordeal has still not subsided,” the association said in its letter.
The organization argued that the alleged actions reflected a serious erosion of the rule of law and warned that such incidents indicate a dangerous slide toward anarchy if left unaddressed.
The association urged the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to order an immediate and independent investigation into the conduct of the military personnel allegedly involved.
It also requested that disciplinary action be taken against any officers found responsible following a formal inquiry.
Call to Protect Media Freedom
The SLWJA further requested that it be kept informed of the measures taken by the Government to safeguard journalists, protect media freedom and uphold the civil rights guaranteed under the law.
The association said protecting journalists from intimidation remains essential to maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions and ensuring that members of the media can perform their duties without fear or interference.
The appeal places renewed attention on concerns surrounding press freedom in Sri Lanka and calls for swift institutional action to address allegations involving both military and police personnel.
