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Sri Lankan journalists assaulted and abused by opposition politician |
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Tuesday, 14 June 2005 |
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Free Media Movement (FMM) vehemently condemns the assault on several journalists by Mr. Sadewa Chandrasekara, chairperson of Ehaliyagoda Pradeshiya Shaba (a local governing body), and his associates on Friday the 10th June 2005. A group of defense journalists were on their way back from covering a parade of cadet officers at Diyathlawa Military camp. The assault took place at Ehaliyagoda town in the late evening. FMM believes the attack was provoked by Chandrasekara's hostility toward the media.
This assault is not only a violation of media freedom but also a violation of basic human rights.
Journalists Tissa Ravindra Perera and Jagath Niroshana of Lakbima, Sirimewan Kasturiaracchi of Divaina, Tanuja Darmapala of Silumina, Tilak Perera of Sunday Observer, Amal Samantha of rupawahini Cooperation, and Prasana Fonseka of Lakjana, are the journalists who have been assaulted and abused by Chandrasekara and his gang. Chandrasekara, who was arrested following the filing of complaints by the journalists, appeared in court and has been given bail.
FMM calls on the police to act impartially and pursue the case to the finish so that the culprits will be dealt with according to the law of the country.
At the same time, FMM demands that the main opposition party, the United National Party (UNP), initiate its own disciplinary inquiry and take appropriate action against Chandrasekara, who belongs to the UNP. FMM notes with regret that the UNP has not taken any disciplinary action against UNP politicians who have acted in the same manner on previous occasions.
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