COLOMBO ; The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) has successfully concluded a muli-phase humanitarian relief programme to support 36 journalists across the country who were severely affected by the devasta9on 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 destruc9on of essen9al work equipment.
Importantly, the relief ini9a9ve extended beyond SLMMF membership, assis9ng affected journalists from
Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communi9es, 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, PuUalam, Gampaha,
Badulla, Kegalle, and Anuradhapura. Relief packages included sanita9on kits, dry ra9on packs, essen9al
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 Founda9on Chairman Mr. Muhammad Haneef, and prominent businessman Mr. Peerkan Rizvi,
whose contributions played a vital role for the programme’s success.
As part of the efforts , representatives of the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum personally visited the
homes of 20 affected journalists in the Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha, and PuUalam districts to assess
ground reali9es and extend direct support. In a further step to help journalists resume their professional
responsibili9es, SLMMF partnered with the Colombo District Mosques Federa9on to facilitate the
replacement of professional equipment for two journalists in Colombo whose tools were destroyed by
floodwaters.
Commen9ng on the ini9a9ve, 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 immense crisis, often at great personal risks 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 0colleagues and strengthen the sense of brotherhood within the media fraternity.”
Mr. Fairooz also expressed his sincere apprecia9on to the donor organiza9ons, individual contributors,
and members of the SLMMF Execu9ve CommiUee for their collec9ve efforts, reitera9ng that the Forum
remains commiUed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of journalist affiliations regardless of ethnicity and religious affiliations.
January 15, 2026
0 Comment
