The news of the passing of Sajeewa Wijeweera, founder of Rata.lk (a partner in MDIF’s Amplify Asia program) and a prominent Sri Lankan journalist, comes as a shock not only for his family and colleagues, but also for the wider community of journalists and independent media practitioners in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
For more than three decades, Sajeewa worked across multiple media platforms, including newspapers, television and digital media. He built a reputation as a courageous investigative journalist through his stints at the Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa
In addition to his work in print journalism, Sajeewa was involved in broadcasting from an early stage in his career. He contributed to the popular children’s television program Muthuhara on Rupavahini during the 1980s and later directed programming for a private radio channel. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to public communication and journalism that informed and empowered audiences.
Sajeewa’s most recent contribution to Sri Lankan media was the founding of Rata.lk, an independent digital news platform dedicated to data-driven reporting, investigative journalism and science-based storytelling. The platform focuses particularly on stories from outside Colombo, often highlighting voices and communities that are overlooked by mainstream media. Through this work, Sajeewa sought to create a space for responsible journalism that promotes accountability, transparency and informed public debate.
Rata.lk joined the Amplify Asia program in 2025. The platform’s mission reflected Sajeewa’s belief that journalism should help build a more informed and thoughtful society. It delivered independent and impartial news and analysis on social, political, economic and scientific issues while connecting professional journalists and scholars in defence of freedom of expression and public knowledge.
Colleagues and fellow journalists remember Sajeewa as a fearless reporter who challenged corruption, misinformation and the abuse of power. He was widely respected for his determination to confront entrenched systems of authority. From bureaucracies and political actors to those spreading myths and pseudoscience. He was always guided by a belief in evidence-based reporting and public accountability.
Grace Thu, Director of Amplify Asia, recalled Sajeewa for his unyielding commitment to public-interest journalism. Through Rata.lk, she said, “he built a platform that highlighted important stories while promoting evidence-based reporting and accountability”.
Reflecting on their last meeting, Thu added, “The last time I saw him was in Kuala Lumpur at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2025. He was sharing his experiences and learning from fellow journalists across the region … His death is a great loss for independent media in Sri Lanka and across South Asia. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and the entire Rata.lk team.”
Sajeewa passed away while receiving treatment at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle after suffering from a kidney-related illness. He was 51 years old and survived by his family, including his wife Sirangika Lokukarawita, who worked with him in Rata.lk.
Those who knew Sajeewa speak of his determination, curiosity, and commitment to journalism as a public service. Through his reporting, mentoring, and the creation of Rata.lk, he helped shape a generation of readers and journalists who believe in the power of independent media to challenge injustice and strengthen democratic discourse.