Lakbima News is committed to producing journalism that is accurate, responsible, transparent and relevant to our readers.
Our editorial policy sets out the principles that guide how we report, verify, publish and correct information.
1. Accuracy and Verification
Accuracy is fundamental to our journalism.
We make reasonable efforts to verify information before publication and seek to rely on credible, identifiable and authoritative sources whenever possible.
For developing stories where information is still emerging, we may publish updates as new facts become available. When appropriate, we clearly indicate that a story is developing and update it as further information is confirmed.
We do not knowingly publish information that we believe to be false or materially misleading.
2. Sources
We aim to identify sources whenever doing so is appropriate and safe.
Information obtained from official statements, government agencies, public records, interviews, documents and other credible sources is attributed accordingly.
Anonymous sources may be used when the information is in the public interest and the source has a legitimate reason to request anonymity. Such information is subject to additional editorial consideration before publication.
We do not fabricate sources, quotations, interviews or supporting evidence.
3. Independence
Editorial decisions should be based on newsworthiness, public interest and journalistic considerations rather than political, commercial or personal interests.
Advertising, sponsorship and other commercial relationships should not determine the editorial conclusions of our reporting.
Where a commercial relationship could reasonably create a perceived conflict of interest, we aim to disclose it appropriately.
4. Fairness and Right of Reply
We aim to represent significant and relevant perspectives fairly.
When reporting allegations or serious accusations concerning an individual or organisation, we seek to provide the subject with a reasonable opportunity to respond where practical and appropriate.
A failure to receive a response does not prevent publication when the matter is genuinely in the public interest, but the article should make clear that an opportunity to respond was provided where relevant.
5. Headlines and Presentation
Headlines should accurately reflect the substance of the article.
We avoid deliberately misleading headlines, fabricated quotations, or sensational presentation that materially misrepresents the underlying story.
Images, captions and other visual elements should also accurately represent the subject of the story. Illustrative or file images should be identified when necessary to avoid confusion.
6. Corrections
We take errors seriously.
When a factual error is identified, we review the information and make corrections where appropriate. Material corrections should be made clearly and, where necessary, accompanied by an explanation of what was corrected.
Readers who believe an article contains a significant factual error are encouraged to contact us with the relevant details and supporting information.
For correction requests, please contact:
[editor@lakbimanews.lk]
7. Updates to Published Articles
News stories may be updated when significant new information becomes available.
Where an article has been substantially updated, we may indicate that an update has been made. The original publication date should not be altered simply to make an older article appear newly published.
8. Opinion and Analysis
News reporting, analysis, commentary and opinion should be distinguishable from one another.
Opinion pieces represent the views of their authors and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of Lakbima News.
Analysis may include interpretation or assessment, but should be based on identifiable facts and evidence.
9. User-Generated Content and Social Media
Information originating from social media is treated as a source rather than automatically as verified fact.
Before publishing significant claims originating from social media, we aim to verify them through additional evidence or reliable sources where possible.
User comments and other contributions may be moderated or removed when they contain unlawful, abusive, defamatory, discriminatory or deliberately misleading material.
10. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools
Lakbima News may use digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to assist with research, transcription, translation, organisation, editing or other newsroom tasks.
AI-generated information is not treated as inherently reliable. Journalistic responsibility remains with the publication and its editorial team, and factual claims should be reviewed before publication.
We do not knowingly present fabricated AI-generated quotations, sources, events or evidence as genuine.
11. Conflicts of Interest
Members of the editorial team should disclose relevant personal, financial or professional interests that could reasonably affect their reporting.
Where a significant conflict cannot be appropriately managed, the journalist may be removed from the assignment.
12. Privacy and Sensitive Information
We take care when reporting on private individuals and sensitive subjects.
Personal information is published only when there is a legitimate journalistic reason and a clear public-interest justification.
Particular care should be taken when reporting on children, victims of crime and other vulnerable individuals.
13. Public Interest
Freedom of the press carries a responsibility to serve the public interest.
We consider the potential impact of publication alongside the newsworthiness of information. Public interest is not necessarily the same as public curiosity.
14. Editorial Responsibility
The editorial team is responsible for maintaining these standards and for addressing significant concerns regarding published material.
This policy may be updated as Lakbima News develops its newsroom practices and as standards in digital journalism evolve.
Lakbima News
lakbimanews.lk
Last updated: September 2026
