Internet Media Action (IMA) has condemned the decision to summon two BBC Sinhala journalists before Parliament’s Committee on Ethics and Privileges, describing the move as an attempt to intimidate the media and suppress independent journalism.
In a statement, the organisation criticised Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne’s decision to require Ishara Dhanasekara, Chief Editor of the BBC Sinhala website, and journalist Sampath Dissanayake to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges on the 23rd. The summons relates to their reporting on a discussion held at the Forum of Women Members of Parliament concerning a child abuse case involving Anuradhapura Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.
IMA said it believes the parliamentary action extends beyond a fact-finding exercise and constitutes “a serious attempt to create a chilling effect and to censor the entire media sector.” According to the organisation, the use of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act as what it described as an “informal censorship” tool to address matters linked to Parliament’s own governance failures represents a threat to media freedom and the public’s right to information.
The organisation also questioned the basis for the alleged breach of parliamentary privilege. It stated that the discussion reported by the journalists took place within the Forum of Women Members of Parliament, which it described as an informal forum rather than a statutory committee with authority to issue official publication prohibitions. IMA argued that no official order restricting publication had been issued and therefore maintained that allegations of a breach of privilege were without basis.
IMA further expressed concern over the potential impact of the summons on the protection of confidential journalistic sources. The organisation said safeguarding the identity of sources is a fundamental principle of investigative journalism and is recognised under international standards as an essential condition for the free practice of journalism. It warned that compelling journalists to disclose their sources through what it characterised as an improper use of authority would discourage the flow of information relating to institutions accused of abusing power or engaging in corruption.
According to the statement, the decision to question journalists over their reporting could also encourage self-censorship throughout the media industry. IMA said such actions risk undermining independent journalism by creating pressure on reporters and news organisations to avoid publishing information on matters of public interest. It added that parliamentary privilege should not be used as a mechanism to suppress criticism or disclosures.
IMA called on media organisations and members of the public to seek the immediate withdrawal of the summons issued to the BBC Sinhala journalists. It also urged collective action in defence of journalists’ right to protect confidential sources and the public’s right to receive information.
