Draft:Sunanda Deshapriya

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Last edited by Sliyanage1967 (talk | contribs) 0 seconds ago. (Update)

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Sunanda Deshapriya (born 1953) is a prominent Sri Lankan social activist, journalist, and human rights advocate, known for his lifelong commitment to promoting racial justice, democracy, and media freedom in Sri Lanka. His activism began early, having participated in the [youth insurrection], which sparked his interest in human rights and journalism. This passion has shaped his career and activism throughout his life.

In 1979, Deshapriya co-founded the Movement for Inter Racial Justice and Equality (MIRJE) and later the Movement for the Defence of Democratic Rights (MDDR) in 1981. These organizations were crucial in addressing racial and democratic rights issues in Sri Lanka during a period of political turmoil.

As a journalist, Deshapriya was instrumental in establishing the Free Media Movement (FMM) in 1991, an organization aimed at safeguarding press freedom and promoting ethical journalism. He has served as the convenor of FMM since 2000.

Deshapriya’s editorial career includes founding and editing Yukthiya, a weekly newspaper that focused on issues of inter-racial justice, playing a significant role in mainstreaming discourse on these issues until its closure in 2000. He was the editor of Balaya, a monthly magazine addressing socio-political and economic issues, and bi-monthly Saama Vimarshi, which focused on the peace process and related matters. He regularly contributed columns to Lankadeepa, a mainstream Sinhala weekly, and Ravaya, an alternative weekly, covering topics related to governance, peace, and democracy.

A recognized researcher, Deshapriya has explored the role of media in conflict, particularly in Sri Lanka. He has presented his research at both national and international media workshops and has lectured extensively on journalistic ethics.

Deshapriya’s most recent landmark work, Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka: Shadow of the Deep State and Unanswered Questions, delves into the tragic and unprecedented events of 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings, which targeted churches and hotels, resulting in over 250 deaths. This meticulously researched book examines the complex web of political intrigue and intelligence failures surrounding the attacks. Deshapriya investigates not only the immediate aftermath but also the larger, unresolved questions regarding the involvement of Sri Lanka's shadowy "deep state" and the failure of authorities to prevent such a catastrophic event. Through this work, Deshapriya highlights the deep systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy and urges a critical examination of Sri Lanka's political and security landscape.

In addition to his work in journalism and human rights, Deshapriya is a founding member of Sri Lanka Brief, an organization that provides research and analysis on Sri Lanka’s political, social, and economic challenges, with a focus on human rights and governance reforms.

Deshapriya’s ongoing contributions to media freedom, human rights, and the broader socio-political discourse continue to influence efforts for reform and national reconciliation in Sri Lanka. His work, especially on the role of media in conflict and governance, remains a significant part of Sri Lanka’s ongoing journey toward addressing its historical and contemporary political challenges.

References