The World International Press Club has urged the Sri Lankan Government to overhaul proposed anti-terrorism legislation and institute firm legal guarantees to safeguard media freedom and independent journalism.
The global media body issued the appeal in support of Sri Lankan journalists who have raised severe concerns regarding draft counter-terrorism measures.
The organization warned that national security laws must not serve as a pretext to undermine investigative reporting or compromise source confidentiality.
Addressing the state's responsibilities, WIPC President Aurangzeb Kamal stated that defending journalists' rights remains a collective international duty and called on the authorities in Colombo to address local media grievances constructively.
In addition, WIPC Central Executive Committee Secretary-General Mian Ishtiaq Ali emphasized that responsible governments must actively protect journalists from intimidation and maintain an environment conducive to reporting without fear of official retaliation.
Key Policy Recommendations For Media Protection
To ensure the protection of constitutional rights and journalistic integrity, the press club submitted five specific demands to the Sri Lankan Government.
Guarantees ensuring the right of media professionals to gather and publish news independently.
An independent legal review of anti-terrorism draft clauses threatening source confidentiality and investigative reporting.
Comprehensive safeguards to prevent state harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary restrictions against working journalists.
Institutional consultations involving media bodies, civil rights advocates, and legal experts prior to enacting security legislation.
Strict adherence to international human rights standards, constitutional guarantees, and fair trial principles in all security laws.
Signatories To The Appeal
The declaration calling for state guarantees and media protections was issued by the leadership and international representatives of the World International Press Club.
Aurangzeb Kamal, President (Bangladesh)
Osman Baykus, Senior Vice President (Turkey)
Ranga Bandaranayake, Vice President (Sri Lanka)
Mian Ishtiaq Ali, Secretary-General of the Central Executive Committee (Pakistan)
Syed Yasin Matin, Joint Secretary (Afghanistan)
Samaresh Roy, Central Organizing Secretary (India)
Alhaj Sohag, Office Secretary (Saudi Arabia)
Shampa Das, Secretary for Women and Children’s Affairs (India)
Md Anis Pradhan, Executive Committee Member
Dr Syed Khalid Qayes, Executive Committee Member (India)
Mir Mohammad Ali, Permanent Member (India)
Lakshman Muthuthanthirige, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)
K K Dhammika, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)
Shiromi Ratnayake, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)
Lasantha Ruhunage, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)
Mithun Jayawardhana, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)
Sushil Aryal, Representative (Nepal)
Zeynep Tilkici, Member (Turkey)
Fong Tze Hong, International Member (Malaysia)
Kim Bolan, International Member (Canada)
Paul Veyre, International Member (Canada)
Marin Gugu, International Member
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