Freedom of Expression of Lankadeepa Photographer Lahiru Harshana Must Not Be Restricted – Free Media Movement

Media release

It has come to light that photojournalist Lahiru Harshana removed a photograph of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which had been published on his personal Facebook page, due to external pressure to do so.

According to reports received by us, some form of influence or request to remove the said photograph had been made through a third party by the President’s Media Division. While attempts are being made to verify the truth of this claim, the stance of the Free Media Movement is that if such a situation has arisen, it is highly regrettable.

We believe that any expert analysis of the quality of the photograph taken by Lahiru Harshana should be carried out devoid of political bias. Moreover, beyond its journalistic value, a photograph also carries an artistic form and can be interpreted through political, social, cultural, and other dimensions. Photo content can be read and understood through different critical traditions and schools of thought, and such readings can be subjective and dynamic.

In such a context, instead of exerting pressure to remove such content, what should be protected is the space for diverse opinions and interpretations to emerge. Suppression through direct or indirect influence does not align with the traits of an advanced cultural environment.

If Lahiru Harshana was compelled to remove the photograph due to any form of such influence, it is a matter of concern regarding freedom of expression. This is because there is nothing inappropriate or illegitimate about the publication of the photograph in question.

Therefore, the Free Media Movement stands in support of photojournalist Lahiru Harshana’s rights and urges all parties to foster a culture of higher expression and artistic engagement by creating space for dialogue, rather than imposing restrictions in such instances.

There has also been criticism regarding the conduct of the President’s Media Division during the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The President’s Media Division is an institution that holds significant responsibility not only for the image of the President but also for the image of the country, and we believe it should not function as a structure affiliated with any political party.