Image & Source Policy

At Thalaimurai.lk (Thalaimurai Digital Media), we maintain strict standards regarding visual media, photography, graphics, and news sourcing. This policy outlines our commitment to copyright compliance, accurate source attribution, and ethical image use across all digital platforms.

1. Image Sourcing & Licensing

All photographs, illustrations, and multimedia graphics published on Thalaimurai.lk are sourced through legitimate and verified channels:

• Original Photography: Captured by Thalaimurai photojournalists and editorial team members.
• Licensed Wire Services & Stock Archives: Obtained under valid commercial licenses from recognized news agencies, wire services, and licensed stock platforms.
• Official Press & Handout Images: Provided directly by government departments, official state communications, diplomatic missions, corporate media releases, or sports federations with explicit permission for news distribution.
• Creative Commons & Public Domain: Used in strict accordance with specified Creative Commons license terms, complete with mandatory creator attribution.
• Fair Use / News Reporting Exception: In rare historical, commentary, or breaking news contexts where an original image is indispensable, images are utilized under international Fair Use guidelines for news reporting purposes, with full credit to the original copyright holder.

2. Image Integrity & Editing Standards

We believe visual accuracy is as critical as written factual accuracy:

• No Misleading Alterations: Photo editing is strictly limited to basic crop, contrast, brightness, and color balance adjustments. We strictly prohibit digital manipulations, element removals, or staging that alters the factual context of a news event.
• AI-Generated & Synthetic Media: Thalaimurai.lk does not publish AI-generated photorealistic images as authentic news photographs. Any illustrative or conceptual digital graphics are clearly labeled as "Illustrative Rendering" or "Graphic Illustration".
• Sensitive & Graphic Media: Images depicting violence, accidents, or sensitive subjects are reviewed by senior editors prior to publication. Sensitive media may be blurred or accompanied by appropriate content warnings to respect human dignity.

3. Source Attribution & Citation

Factual transparency is central to our newsroom ethics:

• Every news report, chart, or data visualization explicitly credits the primary source, government agency, research institute, or wire service from which data was obtained.
• Direct quotes and secondary reporting from third-party publications are clearly attributed with inline citation or reference.

4. Copyright Claims & Takedown Requests

Thalaimurai.lk respects intellectual property rights. If you are a copyright holder or authorized representative and believe an image on our site has been reproduced without authorization, please submit a written takedown notice to our editorial desk: