The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) has successfully 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, said a release.

Recognising 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 ration 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 organizations, 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.

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her ThaiPongal day message, called upon all Sri Lankans to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the ThaiPongal festival, marking a pride tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature.

This noble festivity manifests the world the inseparable bond between human life and nature. We are all creations of nature. There is no path we can take in defiance of nature or beyond it. In that sense, showing respect and gratitude in return for the blessings we receive from nature can be regarded as one of the highest human virtues.

As a nation, we stand today at a decisive turning point. We bear the collective responsibility of steering the country towards a “new era of revival” by bringing about a transformation in attitudes through policy and structural reforms. As a government we have accepted this responsibility and embarked with determination on a new year dedicated to the advancement of our nation even amidst numerous challenges,

As the saying goes, “We can place rice on our plate only if the farmer steps into the mud,” the commitment we make today for the future prosperity of the country is akin to preparing fertile fields in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. This ThaiPongal festival, which honours and expresses gratitude to nature, serves as a guiding light in nurturing citizens enriched with cultural values.

On this ThaiPongal Day, let us all resolve together to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

I sincerely extend my wishes that all the hopes and aspirations of the Tamil people celebrating ThaiPongal may be fulfilled, and that this new beginning may bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.”