Honouring Sivaram’s Legacy: Journalists Unite for Justice and call for investigations

Silent protest demanding media freedom held by media personnel, activists and journalists in Jaffna

“Twenty years ago, a man was abducted in a van and shot dead near a stream beside the Parliament. That man was Dharmeratnam Sivaram—a renowned journalist, activist, intellectual, and researcher. Sivaram not only gave voice to the struggles of the Tamil community but also brought international attention to the diverse ethnic realities of Sri Lanka. He was a dedicated media activist who fought for democracy and justice within the media landscape.”

It has been twenty years since the assassination of veteran Journalist and media activist Dharmeratnam Sivaram, popularly known as ‘Taraki’. In his memory, the Jaffna Press Club held a media discussion, followed by a commemoration and protest which took place at the memorial for fallen Journalists, located next to Subramaniam Park in Jaffna. 

Journalists from the North, East, and South took part in the event. During the gathering, it was emphasised that the current government must uphold the promises made regarding Sivaram and prove its commitment to justice. It was also noted that prior to the October 2024 elections, the Ministry of Public Security had instructed the acting inspector general of police to expedite investigations into seven major cases, including the assassination of Sivaram.

Selvakumar, Chairman of the Jaffna Media Society, Sakthivel from the Eastern Journalists’ Forum, Freddy Gamage from the Professional Web Journalists’ Association, and Sampath Samarakoon, a digital media activist, expressed their views at the press conference. 

Freddy Gamage, speaking at the event, reflected on the nature of fear that surrounded journalism and the injustices committed against journalists. He stated: “During Chandrika Kumaratunga’s tenure, a wave of assassinations occurred across the country. Despite receiving death threats, Sivaram continued his courageous work, committed to exposing the truth.” 

Gamage highlighted that during that period, 44 journalists and media activists were killed, 39 of whom were Tamil, underscoring the disproportionate targeting of Tamil media professionals. He criticised successive governments for their failure to deliver justice, noting that while promises are often made during election campaigns—particularly concerning missing or murdered journalists—those commitments are forgotten once leaders come into power. Gamage drew attention to a promise made by the current government prior to the October 2024 elections, in which the Ministry of Public Security directed the acting inspector general of police to expedite investigations into seven major cases, including the assassination of Sivaram and the Easter Sunday attacks. 

He stressed that if the statement regarding Sivaram’s case was not simply a political move to win Tamil votes, then the government must act swiftly and transparently to show progress in the investigation. “Sadly, we do not see any progress so far, perhaps the government is conducting the investigation without our knowledge, we cannot be certain.” 

Gamage concluded by emphasising the significance of commemorative events like the one held in Jaffna. “These commemorations serve as powerful reminders of the immense risks journalists take to shed light on the truth. That’s why we gather here, from all corners of the country—to stand united in demanding justice for our Journalists.”

Sampath Samarakoon said: “Twenty years ago, a man was abducted in a van and shot dead near a stream beside the Parliament. That man was Dharmeratnam Sivaram—a renowned journalist, activist, intellectual, and researcher. Sivaram not only gave voice to the struggles of the Tamil community but also brought international attention to the diverse ethnic realities of Sri Lanka. He was a dedicated media activist who fought for democracy and justice within the media landscape.” 

Samarakoon said that the crimes committed against journalists in Sri Lanka must not be forgotten. “Without justice, there can be no foundation for a prosperous nation, and the trust of its citizens will remain out of reach. The current president must choose whether to continue down the same path as previous leaders, or take a stand for justice and accountability. 

“Just as we have demanded from every government before, we now call on the NPP government to uncover the truth and deliver justice—not only for Sivaram but for all journalists who have paid the price for telling it,” he added.

To mark twenty years since the assassination of Dharmeratnam Sivaram, a commemoration and call for justice will be held on May 5 (today) at 3 PM at the Guru maduru centre, Chittampalam A. Gardiner road, Colombo 02. 

Commemoration held in Jaffna to honour the late journalist Taraki Sivaram. Image courtesy - Jaffna Press Club