The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) concluded a multi-phase humanitarian relief programme to support 36 journalists across the country who were severely affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Recognizing that journalists are often among the first responders during disasters, yet frequently overlooked as victims themselves, the Forum initiated this intervention to support media professionals who suffered damage to their homes, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of essential work equipment.
Importantly, the relief initiative extended beyond SLMMF membership, assisting affected journalists from Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities, reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to inclusivity and solidarity within the media sector. The assistance was provided to journalists in the districts of Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, Gampaha, Badulla, Kegalle, and Anuradhapura.
Relief packages included sanitation kits, dry rations packs, essential household items, kitchen utensils, and direct financial assistance, addressing both immediate and short-term needs.
This humanitarian effort was made possible through the generous support of the Qatar Charity Sri Lanka Office, JJ Foundation Chairman Mr. Muhammad Haneef, and prominent businessman Mr. Peerkan Rizvi, whose contributions played a vital role in the programme’s success.
As part of the initiative, representatives of the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum personally visited the homes of 20 affected journalists in the Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha, and Puttalam districts to assess ground realities and extend direct support. In a further step to help journalists resume their professional responsibilities, SLMMF partnered with the Colombo District Mosques Federation to facilitate the replacement of professional equipment for two journalists in Colombo whose tools were destroyed by floodwaters.
Commenting on the initiative, M.B.M. Fairooz, President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum, stated, “Journalists play a critical role in keeping the public informed during times of crisis, often at great personal risk. Unfortunately, many of them also become victims of the same disasters they report on. Through this programme, we aimed not only to provide material assistance but also to stand in solidarity with our colleagues and strengthen the sense of brotherhood within the media fraternity.”
Fairooz also expressed his sincere appreciation to the donor organisations, individual contributors, and members of the SLMMF Executive Committee for their collective efforts, reiterating that the Forum remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of journalists regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation.