P.K.Balachandran

  Reporters Without Borders points out that whistle-blowers will be deterred by the requirement that the Right to Information Act can be invoked only with the express permission of the subject of inquiry.         By P.K.Balachandran Colombo, April 30 – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has slammed India’s new data protection law in its latest report on freedom of information. The report points out that whistle- blowers will be deterred by the requirement that the Right to Information Act can be invoked only with the express permission of the subject of enquiry.    The report for 2025-26 noted that there has been a deterioration in more than 60% of states — 110 out of 180 and is notably the case in India (157th), Egypt (169th), Israel (116th) and Georgia (135th).  “The criminalisation of journalism, which is rooted in circumventing press law and misusing emergency legislation and common law, is proving to be a global phenomenon,” RSF said. ...

 Colombo, May 1 – The founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, Milinda Moragoda, met with Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HE Dewi Gustina Tobing, to explore avenues for collaboration with the Pathfinder Foundation. The discussion underscored Indonesia’s global and regional significance as the world’s fourth most populous country, the largest economy in ASEAN, and an important member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Indonesia’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific—particularly in economic development, maritime connectivity, and regional stability—was also highlighted. Pathfinder Foundation regularly convenes conferences and dialogues focused on the Indian Ocean region, of which Indonesia is an especially important partner given its strategic location, economic weight, and leadership role within ASEAN. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening engagement through joint events, policy dialogues, and knowle...