A timely seminar titled “Freedom of Expression and Emerging Challenges”, jointly organized by the Media Law Forum and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), brought together legal professionals, media practitioners, and civil society actors for an in-depth discussion on the state of free expression in Sri Lanka.
The event was officially inaugurated by Senior Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the BASL. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the essential role of freedom of expression in a democratic society and the ongoing need for legal reform and vigilance in protecting this right.
Attorney-at-Law Swasthika Arulingam, Convenor of the BASL Human Rights Committee, moderated the session. The seminar was held under the guidance of the Standing Committee on Human Rights of BASL, reaffirming the association’s commitment to promoting legal literacy and defending fundamental rights. Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias, a member of the BASL Human Rights Committee, was also present and contributed to the discussions, reflecting the committee’s active engagement in issues of public importance.
Dr. Viranjana Herath, Attorney-at-Law and Chairperson of the Media Law Forum, delivered a comprehensive analysis of freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, placing it within the broader context of international standards such as ICCPR Article 19 and the European Convention on Human Rights. His presentation examined the legal status of broadcast frequencies, key jurisprudence, and the tension between national security concerns and individual rights.
President’s Counsel Jagath Wickramanayake provided a detailed overview of the statutory and regulatory framework surrounding freedom of expression. He discussed the ICCPR Act, the Online Safety Act, and the legal boundaries of expression in both digital and traditional public spaces, raising important questions about proportionality and enforcement.
In the final session, Attorney-at-Law Senany Dayaratne addressed the practical challenges and future directions for protecting freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the importance of balancing expression rights with other competing interests such as privacy, reputation, and national security. He also examined the influence of emerging technologies and the role of legal professionals in navigating this evolving landscape.
The seminar concluded with an engaging dialogue among participants, underscoring the need for sustained legal advocacy, public education, and reform. Organizers extended their appreciation to all speakers, attendees, and especially the Human Rights Committee of the BASL for their leadership in making the event a success. The seminar served as a vital platform for collaborative engagement on safeguarding one of the most critical rights in any democratic society.
