In the ever-changing landscape of Sri Lanka’s media, amidst the chaos and shifting tides, emerges an unyielding force Dr. AMM. Fahath. Dr. AMM. Fahath’s unwavering dedication to justice and staunch advocacy for human rights took tangible form in Puthiya Kural Newspaper, a potent voice against societal inequities and a guiding light for the marginalized.
Dr. Fahath’s journalistic pilgrimage commenced at influential media houses such as MTV, Shakthi FM, Vasantham TV, Thanthi TV, DAN TV and Alai FM. His passion for unveiling truth and championing the voiceless laid the foundation for his transformative journey.
Puthiya Kural was conceived to address the gaping void a platform devoid of commercial constraints, heralding the plight of Tamil-speaking minorities. Starting as a monthly edition, it swiftly evolved into a bi-monthly publication, fearlessly confronting the vexing issues besieging these communities land disputes, religious rights violations, fundamental rights deprivation, and the unjust incarceration of minority leaders. Yet, justice remains elusive for many facing systemic discrimination.
Puthiya Kural Newspaper started in April 2018 as a monthly Issue and ran as the voice of Tamil speaking people for more than a year after starting its first edition.
Due to the need to act as a non-commercial voice for Tamil-speaking Sri Lankan minority communities, it was transformed into a bi-monthly newspaper and continued to function as the voice of the people with the help of minority people’s organizations and political leaders. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who ascended to power at that time, was under various threats from the intelligence department of the government because the groups responsible for the violence against the Muslim Tamil people that took place between 2018 and 2019 were brought out through the media. Puthiya Kural Newspaper continued to act as a Tamil media against anti-Muslim riots, Tamil people’s land issues, arrests of Tamil leaders, arrests of innocent minorities and planned racist activities. The office of the new voice was also attacked because it continued to expose the oppression of the Rajapaksa family. Later, due to the economic crisis in the country, although the newspaper did not come out, the new voice was still trying to solve the problems of the people by seeking the help of various organizations for the next steps. With the help of human rights activists and journalists, political leaders, and human rights activists who fled the country due to threats, Puthiya Kural Newspaper has resumed publication in Sri Lanka from August 2023. But it was again disabled due to major anti-government news published in 04 consecutive Issues.
The paper’s audacious stance invited ire. Threats and assaults on Puthiya Kural’s premises underscored the ripples it created within the echelons of power. Unmasking bitter truths such as White Van abductions and violence against minorities came at a heavy cost.
Despite mounting pressures, Fahath’s resolve remained unassailable. Forced into exile in Canada, Puthiya Kural persevered bridging distances through print and online platforms ensuring that silenced voices resonated across continents.
Fahath’s advocacy knew no borders. His impassioned pleas at international forums as if the UNHRC served as a rallying cry for the rights of marginalized communities, thrusting Sri Lanka’s human rights crises discrimination, land disputes, religious rights violations and the fight against racism into the global spotlight.
The pinnacle of Fahath’s unwavering dedication manifested in a poignant documentary chronicling the harrowing experiences of displaced Muslims. Awards and global recognition adorned Fahath, testifying to his unflinching commitment to peace and advocacy.
Yet, amidst the accolades, Fahath’s journey encapsulates the relentless struggle for justice in Sri Lanka. Minorities continue to grapple with systemic inequities, thwarting any semblance of justice or reprieve.
Nonetheless, Fahath’s legacy endures a testament to his unyielding spirit. Through Puthiya Kural, he etched a profound narrative of truth telling and activism a legacy that reverberates in the global fight for justice.
Dr. AMM. Fahath’s steadfast determination serves as an indelible inspiration a guiding beacon in the unending quest for a more equitable world. His advocacy through Puthiya Kural challenges oppressive structures, ensuring that the marginalized are not mere footnotes but resonant voices in the quest for a fairer society.