Post election clamp down on media in Sri Lanka

(January 28, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) On 28th morning Ariyarathana Atugala chairman of state controlled Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation (SLRC) assaulted programme producer Ravi Abewikrama and threatened to kill him. Atugala called a open staff meeting and told them to remember that 'he is the Atugala and will not allow any one to go against him'. Journalist leaders told the Media, that situation is very tense within the SLRC. Journalists who opposed the biased coverage of recently concluded presidential election by SLRC are being harassed and they fear that attacks against them will continue. The Trade Union website www.unions.lk reported that three more journalist, namely Kanchana Marasinghe, Gamini Pushpakumara and Alagiyawanna facing immediate threats.

A complaint on the assault on journalist Ravi Abewikrama by the chairman Atugala has been sent by registered post to Kuruduwatta police station( Colombo 7) and to the Interpreter General of Police.

On 27th night the residence of Kurunagala correspondent of Sri Lanka Broadcasting cooperation, Gunarathna Liyanarchchi was attacked by unknown group. No one was injured in the attack but the house and property was damaged.

On 27th evening journalist Sri Lal Priyantha was questioned at the hotel where opposition common candidate was staying. The group was in plain clothes but told him that hey are form the army. The group followed him while he was going home and questioned him again at Nugegoda.

On 28th morning defense secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaska calling on his own mobile phone threatened to set fire to pro opposition newspaper Irida Lanka. This news has not been published by newspaper websites expect one. One news web site reported that a news blackout on the threat is being demanded form the newspapers.