This policy sets out the standards Colombo Tribune follows in everything we publish.

Accuracy

  • We report only what we can attribute to a reliable source: official statements and documents, court and parliamentary records, public data, named spokespeople, and established news reporting.
  • Numbers, names, titles and dates are given exactly as the source gives them. We do not invent quotes, figures or reactions.
  • Claims that are not established facts are attributed to the person or organisation that made them.

Fairness and independence

  • News reports are neutral. Where there are competing positions, we report each side’s position as stated.
  • We do not support any political party, candidate or interest group, and we do not accept payment for news coverage.
  • Advertising and sponsored material, if published, is clearly labelled and kept separate from news.

Sources and attribution

  • We credit the original source of information, such as the ministry, police, court or institution, rather than the place we first read it.
  • When a story rests on another news organisation’s own exclusive reporting, we name that organisation in the story.
  • We do not copy other publications’ articles. Every story is written by us from the facts.

Crime, courts and vulnerable people

  • People arrested or charged are presumed innocent. We say “accused of” or “arrested in connection with” and never imply guilt before a court decides.
  • We do not name victims of sexual offences or anyone under 18 involved in a crime or court case.
  • We avoid graphic detail that does not help readers understand the story.

Use of technology

We use software tools, including AI, to help monitor news sources and prepare first drafts. Every story is checked and approved by an editor before publication, and editors are responsible for what we publish.

Guides and explainers

Our guides are based on official sources such as government departments, embassies and public institutions. Rules and fees change, so each guide shows when it was last updated and points readers to the official source for final confirmation.

Corrections

When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly. See our Corrections Policy.

Contact

Questions about this policy: info.thinksl@gmail.com