COLOMBO ‒A coalition of Sri Lankan media organizations has condemned what it describes as a “defamatory and potentially violence-inciting campaign” targeting Sandhya Eknaligoda, wife of disappeared journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda following the return of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
In a joint statement, six media organizations including the Free Media Movement (FMM), Sri Lanka Work Journalists’ Association (SLWJA), Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF), Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union (FMETU), Tamil Media Alliance (TMA) and South Asian Women in Media – Sri Lanka (SAWM-SL) warned that the campaign could threaten Eknaligoda’s personal safety and further fuel hatred and intolerance, undermining democratic values and social harmony.
They called on the authorities to take immediate measures to ensure her safety, uphold the rule of law and prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
Eknaligoda has spent more than 16 years seeking truth and justice for her husband, journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, who disappeared in January 2010. The media organizations said she must not face intimidation, vilification or threats for pursuing accountability through lawful means.
Gnanasara Thera is serving a prison sentence following his conviction for contempt of court in connection with remarks and conduct relating to the case concerning Prageeth Eknaligoda’s disappearance. The complaint was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Homagama Magistrate, with Sandhya Eknaligoda representing the aggrieved party.
In August 2018, Gnanasara Thera was sentenced to six years’ rigorous imprisonment. He was released in May 2019 following a presidential pardon. On August 8, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the pardon was arbitrary and unlawful and invalidated it.
The organizations stressed that the judicial decision could not be used to justify hostility or intimidation directed at Eknaligoda for seeking justice through the legal system.
While reaffirming their commitment to freedom of expression, the media organizations emphasized that the right did not extend to threats, incitement to violence or campaigns that endangered the safety and dignity of individuals.
They cited Article 20(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires states to prohibit by law advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
The statement also called on political and religious leaders to reject attempts to exploit religious or national sentiments for political or personal gain.
“Respect for the rule of law cannot depend on whether a judicial decision serves one’s interests or convictions,” the organizations said, stressing that freedom of expression must be exercised with due regard for the rights, dignity and safety of others.
They urged all concerned to reject hate and intimidation, protect those seeking justice and promote a media and political culture based on accountability, tolerance and respect for human rights.
-ENCL
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