Colombo – Employees of one of Sri Lanka’s leading media institutions, Wijeya Newspapers Limited, are facing severe financial hardship after the company reportedly failed to pay staff salaries for nearly two months, according to internal sources within the organization.
The media group, which publishes some of the country’s most widely read newspapers including Daily Mirror, Lankadeepa, The Sunday Times, and Daily FT, is said to be grappling with internal financial pressures and a significant decline in advertising revenue. Industry insiders note that the downturn in advertising spending across the print media sector has intensified the financial strain on traditional newspaper publishers.
Journalists, editors, photographers, and other media personnel employed at the organization are among those affected. Several staff members have reportedly expressed deep concern over their financial situation, as the delay in salary payments has disrupted their ability to meet basic living expenses and family obligations.
According to employees familiar with the situation, the uncertainty has led some staff members to consider leaving the organization in search of more stable employment. Others are said to be seeking legal advice on their rights and possible courses of action regarding unpaid wages.
The situation highlights the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s media industry, where declining print circulation, rising operational costs, and the migration of advertising to digital platforms have weakened revenue streams for many traditional media houses.
Media professionals in Sri Lanka often work long hours under demanding conditions to inform the public and uphold democratic values. Despite their essential role in society, many journalists say their work remains underappreciated and inadequately compensated, particularly during periods of economic difficulty.
Observers note that the current situation underscores the need for sustainable business models in the media industry to ensure that journalists and editorial staff – who serve as a critical pillar of democratic accountability – are able to continue their work without facing financial insecurity.
As uncertainty persists, employees and industry watchers alike are hoping for a swift resolution that will safeguard both the livelihoods of staff and the continued operation of one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent media organizations.
