Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines, A Film by Beena Sarwar Supported by the Pulitzer Center

PRESS RELEASE

Documentary on Sri Lanka by Pakistani journalist supported by the Pulitzer Center to be screened in Colombo

Screening and Panel Discussion by Factum
Scope Cinemas, Colombo City Centre
Thursday, July 25, 04:00 PM (by invitation only)

The reputed foreign policy thinktank Factum in Colombo together with the global Southasia Peace Action Network and the syndicated features service Sapan News Network are proud to announce the first international screening of the documentary ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ by Beena Sarwar, a senior Pakistani journalist based in the Boston area.

This documentary is notable for being the first of its kind by a foreign filmmaker to be shown in a local cinema, offering a unique perspective that transcends national boundaries.

Factum is delighted to host the screening, said Dr Ranga Kalanasooriya, Factum co-founder and media analyst. “The case of Sri Lanka could be a good lesson for the rest of the world, mainly for those in the global south.”

“A classic case is what is now happening in Bangladesh,” he added. “Any government should know how to respond to mass protests without killing or violating basic fundamental rights of its people. Sri Lanka in that sense told a story on how to change a regime through the power of people and allow a smooth transition of power. Beena has captured this message very well in her story.”

The 25-minute film, supported by the Pulitzer Center, delves into Sri Lanka’s socio-political landscape, exploring the impact of the 2022 economic crisis through the voices of villagers, policymakers, academics, and political representatives.

The documentary juxtaposes the thoughts and feelings of residents from the ancient village of Dutuwewa with the opinions of urban policymakers, providing a multilayered narrative that explores how the country has coped and what lessons can be learned globally.

“I wanted to tell the story of Sri Lanka from the ground up, capturing the resilience and disillusionment of its people amidst a political and economic crisis. The contrast between the self-sufficient villagers and the policymakers in Colombo reflects the broader struggles of democracies around the world,” says Sapan News founder and chief editor Beena Sarwar, on her motivation and the significance of this project:

“This film is not just about Sri Lanka; it is about the universal challenges of governance, accountability, and the enduring spirit of democratic aspirations,” she adds.

“The film asks important questions about the nature of democracy and its longstanding resilience in Sri Lanka,” said Factum senior international policy analyst Uditha Devapriya who worked on the film with Beena Sarwar and is also coordinating the Colombo event. “It also reflects on its inherent fragility.”

For press inquiries, please contact:

Uditha Devapriya
Email: uditha@factum.lk
Phone: +94 71 641 9646

Also published in:

• The Desi Buzz :Documentary on Sri Lanka by Pakistani Journalist Supported by the Pulitzer Center Screened , 04 August 2024.
  
  
• Pakistan Link :Documentary on Sri Lanka by Pakistani Journalist Supported by the Pulitzer Center to Be Screened in Colombo , 05 August 2024.
  
  
•  Daily Financial Times : SLPP defectors, Tamil options, ‘Democracy in Debt’ and Vickramabahu’s validation , 01 August 2024.
  
  
• The Daily Morning, Colombo : Journalist Beena Sarwar on documenting Sri Lanka’s economic crisis through ‘Democracy in Debt’ , 02 August 2024.
  
  
•  The Morning, Sri Lanka : The geopolitics of democracy , 04 Aug 2024.
  
  
•  Dawn : Film on Sri Lanka’s crisis prompts comparison with Pakistan ,12 Aug 2024