The year 2009 dawned under ominous skies of media oppression. The tragic loss of Lasantha Wickramatunga, the esteemed editor-in-chief of the Sunday Leader newspaper, on January 08, 2008, sent shockwaves not only through Sri Lanka’s media landscape but reverberated across society. Out of this darkness emerged ‘Lanka News Web’ (LNW), born from impassioned discussions among individuals, both within and outside Sri Lanka, seeking to uphold press freedom, safeguard democracy, and ensure the public’s right to information amidst an atmosphere fraught with fear.
LNW embarked on its mission on March 7, 2009. Over the past fifteen years, we have navigated a path strewn with challenges, spanning one and a half decades. Fifteen years may seem like an eternity, especially considering the tumultuous events that have unfolded in Sri Lanka during this time. It feels akin to watching a movie on fast-forward, with each moment carrying its own weight of significance.
Reflecting on the journey…
From the final throes of a devastating war in the North to the seismic shifts in political landscapes, including presidential elections and constitutional amendments; the Presidential Election in 2010, the presentation of the former Army Commander as the common candidate of the Opposition against the President, the imprisonment of the former Army Commander who lost the election, the establishment of a government with two-thirds power of the winning President, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, Maithripala Sirisena becoming the common candidate of the Opposition, the defeat of the Rajapaksas, the good governance (Yaha Palanaya) government, the Bond Scam, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the rampant violence against Muslims, the SLPP (Pohottuwa) coming forward in the 2018 local government elections, the October 2018 Political Coup, the 52-day Sirisena-Rajapaksa government, the Easter attack, the ‘Sterilisation Operation’ drama (Vanda Sethkam Natakaya), Gotabhaya Rajapaksa becoming President, Tax Amendment, Fertiliser Ban, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Economic Crisis, 2022 People’s Struggle (Aragalaya), the May 9 Events, Gotabhaya fleeing the Country, Ranil Wickramasinghe becoming President, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the importation of substandard Medicines — we have borne witness to it all.
Amidst the ebb and flow of events, Lanka News Web has remained steadfast in our commitment to the people, standing resolutely against injustice, discrimination, and the erosion of freedoms.
Our allegiance lies not with any political faction but with the collective well-being of society. Through the darkest of times, we have steadfastly opposed racism and religious intolerance, unwavering in our defense of human dignity and freedom.
Life’s journey is a tapestry of peaks and valleys, and ours has been no exception. Despite facing myriad challenges, setbacks, and moments of stagnation, it is the unwavering support and appreciation of our readers and allies that have sustained us through the journey. To them, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
As we enter another election year, we reaffirm our commitment to impartial reporting, offering equal platforms to all major political parties. Additionally, we are poised to explore new avenues, leveraging audio-visual media to delve deeper into realms such as politics, education, healthcare, arts, sports, and social welfare.
The fate of Sri Lanka in the coming decade and a half — and indeed, beyond — may well be determined in the months ahead. Whatever the future holds, whatever trials may arise, Lanka News Web pledges unwavering solidarity with the people of this nation, championing their cause unconditionally and continuously.
To our readers and supporters who have stood by us for fifteen years, we extend our heartfelt appreciation. Together, let us forge ahead into the future.
