A record total of 533 journalists are currently detained worldwide, according to the annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The number of those killed has increased again this year – to 57– while 65 journalists are being held hostage and 49 are missing.

Last year’s record has been broken again. The total of 533 journalists being held in connection with their work on 1 December was 13.4% higher than last year’s figure. RSF has also never previously seen so many women journalists in detention. A total of 78 are currently held, a record-breaking rise of nearly 30% compared to 2021. Women now account for nearly 15% of detained journalists, compared to fewer than 7% five years ago.

China, where censorship and surveillance have reached extreme levels,  continues to be the world’s biggest jailer of journalists, with a total of 110 currently being held. They include Huang Xueqin, a freelance journalist who covered corruption, industrial pollution and the harassment of women. Also a sign of major repression, the Islamic Republic of Iran, with 47 detainees, became the world’s third biggest jailer of journalists just one month after the onset of massive protests. Among the first journalists detained were two women, Nilufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, who had helped draw attention to the death of the young Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. They now face the death penalty.

“Dictatorial and authoritarian regimes are filling their prisons faster than ever by jailing journalists. This new record in the number of detained journalists confirms the pressing and urgent need to resist these unscrupulous governments and to extend our active solidarity to all those who embody the ideal of journalistic freedom, independence and pluralism.

Christophe Deloire
RSF Secretary-General

The number of journalists killed has also risen. A total of 57 paid with their lives for their commitment to report the news in 2022 – an 18.8% increase compared to 2021, after a two-year period of relative calm and historically low figures. The war that broke out in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 is one of the reasons for this rise. Eight journalists were killed in the first six months of the war. Among them were Maks Levin, a Ukrainian photojournalist who was deliberately shot by Russian soldiers on 13 March, and Frédéric Leclerc-Imhoff, a French video reporter for the TV news channel BFMTV, who was killed by shrapnel from an exploding shell while covering the evacuation of civilians.

Meanwhile, more than 60% of journalists killed lost their lives in countries considered to be at peace in 2022. Eleven were murdered in Mexico alone – nearly 20% of the overall number of journalists killed worldwide. Mexico’s figures, along with Haiti’s (with six killed) and Brazil’s (with three killed) helped turn the Americas into the world’s most dangerous region for the media, with nearly half (47.4%) of the total number of journalists killed worldwide in 2022.

The 2022 round-up also reports that at least 65 journalists and media workers are currently being held hostage. They include Olivier Dubois, a French reporter who has been held for more than 20 months by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an armed group in Mali affiliated with al-Qaeda, and Austin Tice, an American journalist abducted nearly 10 years ago in Syria. Furthermore, two more journalists were reported missing in 2022, bringing the total number of journalists currently missing to 49.

The round-up also takes a look at some of the year’s most striking cases, including that of Ivan Safronov, one of Russia’s best investigative journalists, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for revealing “state secrets” that were readily available online. This was the longest sentence recorded by RSF in 2022. It also mentions the case of Dom Phillips, a British journalist whose dismembered body was found in a remote part of the Brazilian Amazon, where he had gone to research the attempts by local Indigenous groups to combat poaching, illegal gold mining and deforestation. 

Since 1995, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has been compiling an annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists based on precise data collected from 1 January to 1 December of the year in question. The 2022 round-up figures include professional journalists, non-professional journalists and media workers. RSF gathers detailed information that allows it to affirm with certainty or a great deal of confidence that the detention, abduction, disappearance or death of each journalist was a direct result of their journalistic work. Our methodology may explain differences between our figures and those of other organisations. 

Parliament member Rajitha Senaratne emphasizes that all parties should be responsible that the discussion started by President Ranil Wickramasinghe regarding finding solutions to the national problem does not become another difficult effort like in the past.

Rajitha Senaratne stated this while replying to an inquiry made by Lanka News Web about the all-party discussion that started yesterday (13) under the chairmanship of the President.

He further commented that,

“It was in 1987 that the 13th constitutional amendment was signed. Now in the year 2022 we are still discussing the implementation of 13. Even after 35 years, we have not been able to implement this. That is the real situation in this country.

After the end of the war period, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told foreign countries that he would provide a ‘Thirteen Plus’ solution. He told Sri Lanka that it was ‘Thirteen Minus’. All the leaders have done since then is to pass the ball about the 13th amendment. We prepared documents about this in the government in 2015, but still it could not be implemented.

Now in yesterday’s discussion, we saw that this was going to be all mixed up with land issues and other issues. If 13 is fully implemented, there will be no land issue again.

The 13th amendment addressed two of the main issues of the people of the North and East. One is the police for their safety. The second one is the right to the land where they live. If you confirm those two, almost all other problems will be solved.

Those who held to a part of the 13th amendment and opposed it have now agreed. But when this is going to be fully implemented, someone will object again. That’s how things work in this country.

In yesterday’s discussion, everyone except Gevindu Kumaratunga agreed that this issue should be resolved. That’s a big thing.

Vijaya Kumaratunga was shot dead that day because he spoke in favor of 13A. The people who killed him have also entered the provincial councils today. Their leaders also said that the remote control of the provincial councils is in their hands. But they killed Vijaya Kumaratunga because they said that the country was divided by that provincial council, and they had to get a visa to go from one province to another. Now let’s see what they say when the 13th Amendment is going to be fully implemented.

If we make a lie that we will solve this, this time too, the youth of the north will go to a struggle like in the past. It is not an armed struggle but a peaceful struggle. But that will completely turn the politics of the north upside down. If that happens, then we will have to talk about this issue with a new group. Before that, we should definitely do it when we can talk to the people involved and solve it.”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that new laws are expected to be introduced in the future to ensure food security.

The president also said that plans are being made to present the related bills to parliament soon.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this while joining the discussion held today (13) at Temple Trees to brief the representatives of the Joint Mechanism Committee on Food Security and Nutrition.

The President also emphasized the need to obtain accurate data in establishing food security and the nutritional status of the people and stressed that there have been disparities in the data available at the national level and at the regional level which should be rectified immediately.

In order to make this program a success, the President stressed that the contribution of everyone from the national level to the divisional secretary and Grama Seva Niladhari officer level is necessary and pointed out that not only the public sector but the private sector too has a great role to play.

President Wickremesinghe added that a long-term program is needed to promote agriculture in the country, and the government has already focused on the agricultural modernization program.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, expressing his views said that the program initiated by the President is very important for national food security. Pointing out that foreign exchange can also be saved by ensuring food security in the country, the Prime Minister said that he expects to produce all the food items needed by the people within the country and will work to provide government support for it.

The Prime Minister also said that due to certain decisions taken in the past, there was some setback in the country’s agriculture sector, but added that the background needed to face the upcoming monsoon season has currently been built in the country.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that today’s farmers are strong enough to produce all the rice required for Sri Lanka’s consumption within the country, adding that they will provide all necessary facilities for it.

Minister of State for Media Shanta Bandara and Member of Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa also expressed their views. Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Kanchana Wijesekera, Ali Sabri, Nasir Ahmed, Keheliya Rambukwella, Wijayadasa Rajapakshe, Nalin Fernando, Douglas Devananda, State Ministers Sisira Jayakody, Sanath Nishantha, Mohan Silva, Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, Jagath Pushpakumara, Anuradha Jayaratne, Kader Masthan, Janaka Wakkambura, Ashoka Priyantha, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, Members of Parliament Duminda Dissanayake, S. M. Chandrasena, Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, Nimal Lanza, Vajira Abeywardena, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Jagath Kumara, Ranjith Bandara, M. A. Sumanthiran, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Food Security Dr Suren Batagoda and a group of public officials attended the event.

1. UK issues updated travel advisory: says Sri Lanka is in a severe economic crisis with acute shortages of medicine, gas, fuel and food which are affecting transport, businesses and emergency services: warns hospitals and medical services may be affected: meanwhile, CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe claims the situation is now near normal after the debt default.
2. All Ceylon General Employees’ Union says it would resist the sale of the East Container Terminal, to Japan: claims it fought to free the terminal from Indian control: urges President not to offer ECT to Japan: warns of trade union action if warning is not needed.
3. Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardane says Cabinet granted approval to upgrade Amparai and Mannar Urban Councils to Municipal Council status.
4. Minister of Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says the Uma Oya project will add 120MW of Hydro power to the National Grid: also says officials have assured that construction will be completed by end-April and power connection to the national grid will be completed by June 2023.
5. Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court further remands Convener of Inter University Students’ Federation Wasantha Mudalige till 17th January 2023 for alleged offences under Prevention of Terrorism Act: previously, he was detained under the PTA for 90 days via a Detention Order.
6. Sri Lankan Accountant Vajira Jayasuriya receives Australia’s “Best Accountant” Annual Award: it’s the first time a Sri Lankan has won this award.
7. Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal says not a single dollar was used by the Monetary Board during his tenure of office as Governor to “defend” the Rupee: refutes such claims by State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya: asserts the identical policy re. the management of the Rupee is being followed by the present Monetary Board as well.
8. SJB MP Harsha Silva calls on the Govt to reduce taxes on professionals to resolve the present brain-drain: says many in healthcare, IT, engineering & architecture sectors are seeking decreases in taxes: Silva has always been an ardent advocate for higher Govt revenue.
9. Elections Commission Chairman S G Punchihewa says Nominations to elect 8,327 members for 24 Municipal Councils, 41 Urban Councils and 276 Pradeshiya Sabhas will be issued within 5 working days of the final week of December.
10. Sri Lankan Senaka Weeraratna claims ownership of the widely used Decision Review System system in Cricket: requests ICC to accept his claim: says the DRS concept was conceived by him in 1997.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that new laws are expected to be introduced in the future to ensure food security.

The president also said that plans are being made to present the related bills to parliament soon.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this while joining the discussion held today (13) at Temple Trees to brief the representatives of the Joint Mechanism Committee on Food Security and Nutrition.

The President also emphasized the need to obtain accurate data in establishing food security and the nutritional status of the people and stressed that there have been disparities in the data available at the national level and at the regional level which should be rectified immediately.

In order to make this program a success, the President stressed that the contribution of everyone from the national level to the divisional secretary and Grama Seva Niladhari officer level is necessary and pointed out that not only the public sector but the private sector too has a great role to play.

President Wickremesinghe added that a long-term program is needed to promote agriculture in the country, and the government has already focused on the agricultural modernization program.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, expressing his views said that the program initiated by the President is very important for national food security. Pointing out that foreign exchange can also be saved by ensuring food security in the country, the Prime Minister said that he expects to produce all the food items needed by the people within the country and will work to provide government support for it.

The Prime Minister also said that due to certain decisions taken in the past, there was some setback in the country’s agriculture sector, but added that the background needed to face the upcoming monsoon season has currently been built in the country.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that today’s farmers are strong enough to produce all the rice required for Sri Lanka’s consumption within the country, adding that they will provide all necessary facilities for it.

Minister of State for Media Shanta Bandara and Member of Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa also expressed their views. Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Kanchana Wijesekera, Ali Sabri, Nasir Ahmed, Keheliya Rambukwella, Wijayadasa Rajapakshe, Nalin Fernando, Douglas Devananda, State Ministers Sisira Jayakody, Sanath Nishantha, Mohan Silva, Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, Jagath Pushpakumara, Anuradha Jayaratne, Kader Masthan, Janaka Wakkambura, Ashoka Priyantha, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, Members of Parliament Duminda Dissanayake, S. M. Chandrasena, Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, Nimal Lanza, Vajira Abeywardena, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Jagath Kumara, Ranjith Bandara, M. A. Sumanthiran, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Food Security Dr Suren Batagoda and a group of public officials attended the event.

President Media Division (PMD)

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A few showers may occur in Eastern province and in Mullaitivu and Polonnaruwa districts.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers

Photo Caption:

1. Seen here is the team at AmSafe Bridport Sri Lanka with the award

AmSafe Bridport (Pvt) Limited Sri Lanka, the largest manufacturing facility of AmSafe Bridport was certified as a Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work® in Sri Lanka earlier this year. The company was also recognized as one of the 10 Best Workplaces in the Manufacturing and Production industry and further went on to be recognized as one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka as well.

In September 2022 AmSafe Bridport (Pvt) Ltd was recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Women in Sri Lanka which is a true reflection of the company’s embedded culture.  When female employees state the organizational environment is fair and fulfilling, it’s a strong indicator that the business maintains an even playing field for each and every employee without any bias.

AmSafe Bridport is the global leader in designing and manufacturing engineered innovative and customized textile solutions that withstand high dynamic stress loads for the safety and securement needs of the global aerospace and defence niche markets, with their client portfolio showcasing the aviation industry giants such as Boeing, Airbus and other major aircraft manufacturers and airlines of the world. 

Hasitha Bandaranayake, the Manufacturing Manager who rose the ladder from an executive role, went onto comment that the company’s culture, initiatives and various nurturing programs enabled her to achieve the position she is at today, overseeing and managing a division that has the highest labor force. Sharing similar thoughts is Rishani Dissanayake who has been with the company for over 15 years, now serving as the Engineering Manager, a role that is traditionally or customarily dominated by a male. She further went onto say that the company’s culture and the already set examples within the organization encouraged her to apply for the position when it came up.

This equal opportunity is also seen in many employee categories across its various divisions. ‘AmSafe actively encourages everyone irrespective of gender or any other biases to take on bold and exciting new challenges we offer, provided that they possess the competencies to perform the task effectively. ‘We are proud to have many of our female employees rising up to the challenge and take up key managerial and leadership roles,’ said Chandani Ekanayake, General Manager at AmSafe Bridport Sri Lanka. She further said that all roles within an organization should be considered gender neutral which will enable competent employees of both genders to reach their true potential in any role they take upon and step beyond the boundaries set by the status quo, which is the culture we promote at AmSafe and a key factor in our success story.

Giving employees accountability and ownership over the years has enabled the company to spur and instill creative and innovative thinking and decision making, which is a key value that is deeply embedded into the company’s culture and norms. There are various initiatives and programs within AmSafe Bridport, including those that empower and enrich women through the provision of equal opportunities, learning and development opportunities, coaching and mentorship, health and wellbeing, counseling facilitation among others. 

With a presence of over two decades in the country, AmSafe Bridport continues to expand, strengthening its growing workforce to cater to the increasing global demand, challenging the status quo and striking the balance on gender rights, and cultivating a culture of inclusivity and diversity across all parts and levels of the company.