Ethics Eye

We monitor violations of media ethics in the #SinhalaPress. If you have any complaints of such violations, please write to [email protected]

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

What are the ethical limits of interviewing children in trauma?

Swipe 👉 to see how selected Sinhala news broadcasts handled an interview with a child affected by a recent road accident, and the ethical questions this coverage raises.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Repeated incidents have shown that no one is immune to being misrepresented through AI-generated false content — not even public figures or institutions.

So, have you started using Trace-It yet?

It is a simple safeguard to help protect your content and prove its authenticity.

[Verité Research @VeriteResearch]

🔴 If you can’t #Trace-it, don’t trust it!

👉For more information, see: https://t.co/8tFwP5gUot

#FakeNews #AI #SriLanka #Tech #Authenticity #SocialMediaSafety

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

On 23 May, DIG Kalinga Jayasinghe stated that there was no external influence on the investigation into Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.

Swipe 👉 to see how selected primetime TV broadcasts reported his statement. 📺

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera was granted bail by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court on 22 May, after being arrested over alleged sexual violence against a minor.

Swipe 👉 to compare how primetime TV news channels covered the story. 📺

[The Media Analysis @verite_tma]

17 years since the end of the war: Divided press, divided memory

Swipe 👉to see how editorials & opinion pieces in Divaina & Thamilan reflected on the end of the war

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

17 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict

Marking the anniversary, victory celebrations and remembrance events were held across the country.

Swipe 👉 to see how sister TV channels covered the events on May 18.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

On 14 May, the Colombo High Court rejected a preliminary objection raised in the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, allowing the charges to proceed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Swipe 👉 to see how selected Sinhala news broadcasts covered it.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

#MediaEthics #SafeReporting #MentalHealthSL #EthicsEye #1333 #1926

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

#MediaEthics #MentalHealthSL #EthicsEye #WertherEffect

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

On May 12, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa recorded a statement with CIABOC about the SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal.
Swipe 👉 to see how Sinhala newspapers reported it alongside President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s remarks on accountability & the rule of law.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

How did Sinhala news websites report the death of Kapila Chandrasena as breaking news on the morning of 8th May?

Swipe 👉 to see how selected Sinhala news websites reported the story, and the importance of including helplines in suicide coverage.

CCCline - 1333; NIMH - 1926

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

How did Sinhala prime-time news cover the recommencement of the Ekneligoda trial on May 4? 📰

Swipe to find out.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Whistleblowing is not only about exposing wrongdoing; it is also an exercise of freedom of expression.

The media has a duty to protect confidentiality & ensure whistleblowers are heard.

Safeguarding them strengthens accountability & transparency. 🖋️

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

According to the latest World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Sri Lanka ranks 139th out of 180 countries in 2025.

While this marks an 11-place improvement from its 150th position in 2024, Sri Lanka remains below its 2023 ranking of 135th.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Let us report sexual violence responsibly!

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Visuals reach the audience before the article itself.

Let us ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals are portrayed with respect and dignity without unnecessary exposure.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Let us follow a trauma-informed approach when reporting on sexual violence!

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Once the identity is revealed, the harm cannot be undone. Therefore, let us ensure responsible reporting.

Legal source: Section 365C of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Sinhala reporting often uses outdated terms such as "mehekariya" to describe domestic workers. Such outdated terms can carry social judgement, especially in sensational contexts. Let us ensure that the terms used to refer to occupations describe labour fairly and accurately.

[Ethics Eye @EthicsEye]

Blame-shifting can occur subtly through comments on clothing, behaviour, relationships or personal history. This can cause psychological harm, discourage reporting of violence and obstruct justice. Ethical journalism must ensure accountability lies with the perpetrator.