National Peace Council
of Sri Lanka
12/14 Purana Vihara Road
Colombo 6
Tel: 2818344, 2854127, 2819064
Tel/Fax:2819064
E Mail: npc@sltnet.lk
Internet: www.peace-srilanka.org
22.11.07
Media Release
The morning attack on the Sunday Leader printing press by a group of unknown assailants is an appalling incident. The group, armed with guns and clubs, forced staff members onto the ground and set fire to the printing machinery by throwing a petrol bomb. The National Peace Council deplores the increasing frequency with which newspaper staff are being targeted in this kind of violent attack. Last year in March 2006, the Uthayan newspaper in Jaffna was subjected to a similar attack. This latest attack demonstrates a climate of impunity where wrong doers think they can get away with anything. The previous week has also seen the abduction of a translator employed at the Uthayan newspaper office in Jaffna in the high security zone.
During the past two years twelve media personnel have been killed, with the Uthayan newspaper paying the highest price in terms of human life: five members of its staff have lost their lives in the service of journalism and the freedom of expression. The Uthayan newspaper reports critically on the conditions of ordinary people in militarily-controlled Jaffna, and presents a Tamil viewpoint that is at odds with the present strategy of the government and its allies. The Sunday Leader newspaper has also made a name for itself as an outspoken critic of the present government and as an advocate of a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict.
Threats of aggression and death issued to journalists who publish fact-based information judged by some to be injurious to political parties or powerful business interests symbolise a canker in the body politic. The National Peace Council affirms that the government has the responsibility to provide protection for all citizens who wish to pursue their constitutional right to freedom of expression and publication. It is the right of all Sri Lankans, journalist or ordinary citizen, to exercise freedom of thought and expression. This right is guaranteed by Article 14 of the Sri Lankan Constitution, which states that, ‘Every citizen is entitled to […] the freedom of speech and expression including publication’.
The National Peace Council expresses solidarity with those Sri Lankan journalists who are courageously committed to revealing realities from the ground and to risking their lives in the service of truth. We salute their determination to deliver accurate reporting and the willingness of media personnel to continue their work in the face of such fatal risks. We call on the government to investigate these latest incidents, both in Ratmalana and in Jaffna, and take legal actions against the culprits. In addition we call on the government to put in place protection mechanisms that would ensure the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka and the right of Sri Lankan citizens to access a diverse media that provides free and accurate reporting on national affairs.
Executive Director
On behalf of the Governing Council
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
