Jaffna Monitor (JM) is an independent, community-driven magazine for Sri Lankans everywhere—both on the island and across the global Sri Lankan diaspora. We publish public-interest journalism, analysis, interviews, culture, and history. Though it originates from Sri Lanka, Jaffna Monitor is read by a diverse audience around the world who seek authentic perspectives and independent voices from the island.
Our mantra: Unafraid & Unbowed.
Our promise: fair, factual, people-centred reporting that amplifies voices from every corner of Sri Lanka and its worldwide communities.
- Who we serve: Sri Lankans and friends of Sri Lanka—at home and abroad.
- What we cover: governance and justice, economy and livelihoods, culture and arts, education and youth, environment and development, sport, diaspora life, memory/history, and important global affairs — in short, almost everything that shapes Sri Lankan life and thought, at home and abroad.
How we publish: At present, Jaffna Monitor is released as a monthly e-magazine alongside our website. All stories featured in the magazine appear on the website as well — some even before the magazine’s release. We also plan to launch a daily news website soon to provide continuous updates and deeper engagement with our readers.
Languages: Our primary publishing language is English, with plans to include select content in Tamil and Sinhala in the future, wherever relevant.
Guiding Principles of Jaffna Monitor
1. Interviews Without Boundaries
- Jaffna Monitor does not restrict whom we interview. Whether controversial or celebrated, we believe every story deserves to be told. Interviews are published faithfully, without distortion, and allow interviewees to speak in their own words. Each interview carries the disclaimer: “The opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of Jaffna Monitor.”
2. An Open Platform for Writers
- Jaffna Monitor welcomes contributions from all who wish to write, provided they uphold the basic principles of free expression. Submissions are published under Guest Columns or Opinions. Editorials, Monitor Memos, and articles are authored by our correspondents or reporters.
- All Guest Columns and interviews are clearly identified as the views of their respective authors, not those of Jaffna Monitor. Each carries the note: “The views expressed here are personal and do not reflect those of the Jaffna Monitor.”
- We do not publish material that glorifies death, promotes or justifies violence, or incites its use. Writers are invited to submit their articles to editor@jaffnamonitor.com.
3. Counter-Voices
- We encourage debate. If readers disagree with a published interview or article, we are committed to publishing counter-arguments in the same spirit of open dialogue.
- We strongly encourage and welcome counter-voices. Readers may contact us at editor@jaffnamonitor.com.
4. Editing and Accuracy
- Submissions may be edited for clarity, grammar, and scope. Factual errors will be corrected, but the arguments will remain unchanged. Responsibility for opinion pieces rests solely with their respective authors.
- 6. Editorial Responsibility
- The editorial team assumes direct responsibility only for Editorials, Monitor Memos, and articles written by our reporters and special correspondents.
- All other contributions represent the views of the individual authors. However, Jaffna Monitor accepts responsibility for the editorial decision to publish such material, within the framework of our mission, ethical standards, and the law. This ensures that while individual voices remain independent, Jaffna Monitor remains accountable for the platform it provides.
Guidelines for Letters to the Editor
We welcome letters to the editor as part of our commitment to fostering open, informed, and respectful public dialogue. To ensure fairness and clarity, please follow the guidelines below:
1. Word Count
- Letters should be between 300 and 500 words.
- Shorter letters are more likely to be published in full; longer submissions may be edited for length and clarity.
2. Relevance and Timeliness
- Letters must respond to a recent article, editorial, or a pressing public issue.
- Submissions that are time-sensitive are more likely to be considered.
3. Clarity and Focus
- Please address only one main issue or argument per letter.
- Use clear, concise language that can be understood by a broad readership.
4. Civility and Respect
- Critique ideas, arguments, or policies—not individuals.
- Submissions containing abusive, defamatory, or discriminatory language will not be published.
5. Accuracy and Responsibility
- Authors are responsible for ensuring factual accuracy.
- Cite reliable sources where appropriate. Letters containing misinformation will be rejected.
6. Authorship
- All letters must include the writer’s full name, city of residence, and valid contact information (phone or email).
- Only the writer’s name and location will be published; contact details are for verification only.
7. Originality
- Letters must be original and exclusive to this publication.
- Content previously published elsewhere will not be considered.
8. Editorial Rights
- The editorial team reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, clarity, style, and length, while preserving the writer’s core meaning. Letters and articles are selected based on their relevance to Jaffna Monitor’s editorial scope and public interest value.
- Publication is not guaranteed, and decisions of the editorial team are final.