Criminal or forensic investigations in Sri Lanka and the media responsibility: the need for substantive media law and enforceable media ethics in Sri Lanka

This paper seeks to discuss the involvement of media in the criminal or forensic investigation process in Sri Lanka and its possible adverse consequences. Further, this paper attempts to build an argument to establish and propagate media legislation in Sri Lanka especially in reference to crime investigations while emphasising the need for media professionalism, training and enforceable set of media ethics for media personnel and units.  The author upholds media freedom. Author reiterates media independence and pluralism in media. However, the right to express is not by any means above the rule of law or right to privacy.

The media law and media ethics in Sri Lanka especially in reference to crime investigations is in its infancy and require a rapid growth immediately to safe guard the rights of victims, suspects and to promote the rule of law.