Seetha Ranajani, a fearless journalist, media rights activist, and advocate for women’s empowerment, will be laid to rest this evening in Anuradhapura. She passed away on 16 February at the age of 70, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Sri Lankan journalism and activism.
Throughout her career, Seetha was a relentless defender of press freedom, ethical journalism, and democracy. She was a founding member of the Free Media Movement (FMM) and played a crucial role in its leadership, serving multiple terms as convener and secretary. Her contributions to safeguarding journalists and promoting a free press were instrumental in shaping the media landscape of Sri Lanka. She was also a key figure in the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), the Sri Lanka Press Institute, and the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA).
Beyond her activism, Seetha was a respected journalist and editor, working for publications such as Yukthiya and contributing significantly to the Women and Media Collective, where she edited its publication ‘her’ (ඇය/Aeya). She was also a founding member of the South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) Sri Lanka chapter, where she fostered a strong network of female journalists in Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region.
Seetha’s commitment to social justice extended to her work with Mothers and Daughters of Sri Lanka, a collective dedicated to peace and reconciliation. Her advocacy was not limited to media rights; she also championed the rights of marginalized communities, ensuring their voices were heard.
Apart from her journalistic contributions, Seetha was a talented lyricist, using her artistic expression to convey powerful social messages. Her songs, much like her activism, resonated deeply with those who sought justice and change.
Her remarkable contributions were recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Annual Journalism Excellence Awards in 2023, a testament to her unwavering commitment to media freedom and gender equality.
