Senior journalist and media rights activist Thaha Muzammil has passed away.
He served as the Treasurer of the Free Media Movement in Sri Lanka and was a longstanding Executive Committee Member of the organisation as well as its affiliated trade union.
Muzammil was the former Editor of the Navamani Tamil newspaper and also held key positions in the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) and the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum.
Muzammil was known for his tireless commitment to media freedom, democracy, and human rights, and for his efforts in building bridges between Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim journalists across the country.
Fluent in all three languages, he played a key role in promoting pluralism and inclusivity within the media landscape.
His funeral will be held this afternoon at the Maligawatta Muslim Burial Ground.
The Free Media Movement, along with the wider media community, has expressed deep sorrow at his passing and paid tribute to his lifelong dedication to ethical journalism and justice.
- Message from Free Media Movement
In Loving Memory of Thaha Muzammil – A Life of Dedication and Integrity
On behalf of the entire membership, we extend our deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude to our dear colleague, Thaha Musammil, whose unwavering commitment to truth and justice left a lasting impact. As an Executive Committee Member and Treasurer of both the Free Media Movement and its trade union, he dedicated his life to championing media freedom and ethical journalism.
Thaha Musammil stood fearlessly for democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights. A principled leader, he believed that transparency and inclusivity were vital for the sustainability of social institutions. His steadfast commitment to justice and integrity defined his work, inspiring those around him.
Fluent in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, he was a bridge between communities, fostering unity among journalists from diverse backgrounds. His tireless efforts to strengthen collaboration between Tamil and Muslim journalists and social activists earned him deep respect. He was not just an advocate for pluralism—he embodied it, proving that diversity is a strength, not a division.
At a time when voices like his are more crucial than ever, his absence is profoundly felt. Yet, his legacy lives on in the principles he upheld and the countless lives he touched.
As a journalist, translator, and trainer, his contributions will remain a lasting testament to his unwavering dedication.
Thaha Musammil, your journey may have ended, but your light continues to shine. We honor your memory with deep gratitude and respect.
– Free Media Movement (NewsWire)