Case of Amshika suicide: A response

Friday, 13 June 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

I am writing to express my strong concern and disappointment regarding the article published on your website titled “Group interests that overrode a child’s safety: Case of Amshika suicide” (https://www.ft.lk/columns/Group-interests-that-overrode-a-child-s-safety-Case-of-Amshika-suicide/4-776779), published on 23 May.

This article contains several factual errors and presents a misleading timeline of events that significantly distorts the truth of this tragic case. It is appalling that such a sensitive and serious matter, involving the abuse and death of a child, was handled with such carelessness. This journalist – Sujata Gamage – seems to have prioritised publishing under her byline rather than undertaking the necessary research and fact-checking required for responsible reporting.

By presenting incorrect information, you corrode not only the memory of the child but also the ongoing efforts by concerned citizens and professionals who are working to seek justice for her. This is poor journalism, which is ethically negligent and contributes to public misinformation. I strongly urge your editorial team to conduct an internal review of the article, issue corrections where appropriate, and hold the responsible journalist accountable for failing to uphold basic journalistic standards.

Akshaya (Activist)

Author responds

A complainant named Akshaya says my article published in https://www.ft.lk/columns/Group-interests-that-overrode-a-child-s-safety-Case-of-Amshika-suicide/4-776779 “contains several factual errors and presents a misleading timeline”, but he/she needs to specify.

I have given a specific timeline giving a reference to an article by Rekha Nilkshi Herath in the Anidda newspaper on 18 May 2025. I also contacted the journalist to confirm that she indeed interviewed the mother of Amshika and to clarify certain dates and events which she had reported based on that interview. All other events like the date of Parliamentary debate and the interview with the tuition class owner were available on the Internet at the time of the publication. I used the word alleged in my references to the teacher and tuition class owner in question.

If the complainant can point to a factual error I can respond to that or any other factual error.

Sujata Gamage