Freedom of expression under threat: HRCSL

THE Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed deep concern over what it described as emerging threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, particularly the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without undue interference.

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In a statement issued yesterday, the Commission said it was especially disturbed by ‘a growing trend of law enforcement authorities initiating investigations into allegedly defamatory speech, including speech by journalists, despite defamation no longer being a criminal offence under Sri Lankan law.

The HRCSL highlighted a recent incident involving journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, who is also a member of the Commission's Sub-Committee on Freedom of Expression. Jayawardena was summoned for a Police inquiry without being informed of the reasons for the summons, a lapse the Commission said later emerged was linked to a complaint alleging defamatory remarks in his reporting on corruption involving the use of public funds.

The Commission noted that the failure to inform an individual of the reasons for a Police summons constitutes a breach of a circular issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ‘on 2 July 2025, which requires investigating officers to clearly disclose the basis for summoning any person.