Fostering Fearless Journalism

Abisheka Fernando is an independent journalist, award-winning on-air presenter and podcast host at SL Vlog Network. With keen expertise in political analysis, she moderates thought-provoking podcasts and anchors informative video content that engages and educates her audience, encouraging them to broaden their perspectives and escape their echo chambers.

Beyond her work in media, Abisheka is a passionate advocate for human rights and child protection, using her platform to amplify these critical issues and drive meaningful conversations.

SL Vlog empowers journalists to pursue in-depth investigative stories without being stifled by limited newsroom budgets and special interests. The platform encourages its contributors to submit Right to Information (RTI) requests, ensuring their reporting is grounded in credible, data-driven insights. This initiative aims to counter the misinformation and disinformation prevalent in traditional news cycles.

SL Vlog provides journalists with the assurance and resources they need to approach sensitive topics with integrity, Abisheka explains. She recounts the impactful stories covered by SL Vlog, such as reports on bridges leading to nowhere in rural areas and excessive government spending on unnecessary infrastructure projects, including lavish toilets even used by livestock.

SL Vlog’s pay structure enables journalists to produce three comprehensive investigative stories monthly, freeing them from the financial pressures that often lead to compromised reporting. By creating a sustainable model for independent journalism, Abisheka hopes to cultivate a culture where reporters are independent and can produce accurate, unbiased accounts without fear of suppression.

Through her work, Abisheka is shedding light on underreported issues and reshaping the landscape of Sri Lankan journalism, fostering a new generation of reporters committed to ethical and transparent storytelling.