Two years ago, tens of thousands of Sri Lankans rose up against their president and forced him to flee the country.

From arbitrary arrests to censorship laws, Sri Lankan media professionals – particularly those from the Tamil minority – work in a precarious environment. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is particularly alarmed by the worrying state of press freedom as Sri Lanka’s first presidential elections since the 2022 protests will take place on 21 September.

Sri Lanka is preparing for its first national election since the financial default of 2022. Scheduled for September 21, 2024, this pivotal election features over 30 candidates, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.