March 07, Colombo (LNW): March 07, 2025, marks the 16th anniversary of Lanka News Web (LNW), a milestone in a journey that has witnessed both extraordinary challenges and remarkable triumphs. Born in 2009 amidst the dark clouds of media oppression following the brutal assassination of Lasantha Wickramatunga, LNW emerged as a beacon of press freedom, dedicated to defending democracy and the public’s right to information. We have weathered the storm, steadfast in our mission to hold power to account and amplify the voices of the people. As we step into a new era, we look back with gratitude and forward with renewed purpose.
LNW was born on 7th March 2009, emerging from the heart of the United Kingdom. Initially, it was designed to be a platform for global perspectives, with news outlets reaching Sri Lanka and various countries beyond. Its inception was swift, yet its presence quickly became a thorn in the side of the Sri Lankan government. The authorities reacted by imposing a ban on the site within months, deeming it a disruptive force. Despite the ban, thousands of readers found their way to LNW using VPNs, and the editorial team was thrust into a struggle that saw them practising guerrilla journalism for a solid six years. During this turbulent period, an international red warrant was even issued against our editorial staff.
However, the political landscape in Sri Lanka changed in 2015, and with it came a shift in our fate. The government’s decision to lift the ban allowed us to finally cease our covert operations. For the first time, we could proudly base ourselves in Sri Lanka, bringing together our scattered team from across the country. Operating from both Colombo and London, LNW continues to pursue its mission with the same commitment and dedication that we first established on that historic day in March 2009.
Sixteen years is a significant milestone, particularly when one reflects on the monumental events that have shaped Sri Lanka during this time. The country has endured civil conflict, witnessed the military’s triumph, suffered under heavy media and civil activist crackdowns, and navigated an ever-evolving political landscape. From the controversial 2010 presidential election to the infamous Easter Sunday bombings and the 2019 economic crisis, the road has been tumultuous. In addition, Sri Lanka has faced global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and an ongoing economic meltdown. Yet, through it all, LNW has endured, providing an unwavering voice that reported on these events from a global perspective.
Our greatest achievement over these years has been our ability to remain a steadfast presence amidst the storm. For a media outlet with no mainstream backing, no large corporate sponsors, and no financial safety net, continuing for sixteen years in a hostile environment has felt like a battle of its own. We take immense pride in our persistence, especially when we consider the number of news websites that have come and gone in that time. Keeping LNW alive, despite facing bans, legal battles, and constant financial challenges, is a testament to our resilience and determination.
Accuracy and speed in reporting have always been at the core of our values. Over the years, LNW has published hundreds of stories each day—sometimes forty or more articles—covering a vast range of topics. Whilst we have inevitably made mistakes, we have always been committed to correcting them promptly and ensuring that our content upholds the standards of integrity we have set for ourselves. One of our key principles has been to avoid giving in to religious or racial extremism, even during difficult moments. This commitment to neutrality and balance has, no doubt, made us targets for various factions. However, as journalists, our role is not to please everyone but to report the truth.
The loyalty of our readers, who have supported us through thick and thin in all three languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English—is our most valuable asset. It is thanks to them that LNW has made it this far. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our readership and encourage you to continue this journey with us in the years to come.
In the course of these 16 years, we have also expanded our reach beyond our primary website. The creation of platforms like ‘Nelum Yaya’, ‘Outbound Today’, and ‘ReadPhotos’, along with the work of the Nelum Yaya Foundation, has allowed us to diversify and engage in social service projects, enriching the lives of many. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many close friends and collaborators who have made these endeavours possible. Without their support, none of this would have come to fruition.
LNW at its core is a political news site—but not in the traditional sense. Our politics transcend party lines. The foundation of our political stance is rooted in the belief in human freedom—a concept that is universal, not constrained by borders, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. Over the past 16 years, we have contributed to some key political events directly, whilst at times simply providing objective coverage without involvement. However, in every instance, our approach has been shaped by our principles, and we remain committed to that path.
Looking ahead to our 17th year, LNW plans to widen its scope. Whilst we will continue to address local political issues, we will place a greater emphasis on social issues and environmental matters, particularly climate change, both domestically and on the international stage. Our reasons for this shift will be detailed in due course.
The media landscape has undergone radical changes since LNW’s inception. The print media’s dominance is now a thing of the past, and digital news outlets like ours face unique challenges in maintaining relevance and sustainability. Yet, with 16 years of experience behind us, we are determined to press forward, sharper and more resilient than ever. Even should our platform evolve in unexpected ways over the next 16 years, one thing remains certain—LNW will endure. For us, LNW is not merely a news website but a community, a family united by purpose and a shared commitment to truth. And as long as that mission remains, so too will LNW.
To our readers and supporters who have been with us every step of the way, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our work, and it is because of you that we continue to push forward, stronger than ever. As we enter our 16th year, we are more determined than ever to continue the mission we started so many years ago: to protect and promote press freedom, uphold democracy, and support the people of Sri Lanka in their pursuit of a better future.
Together, let us embark on this next chapter of our journey, with the knowledge that the best is yet to come.
Team LNW
