Poddala Jayantha been selected as a winner of the 2009-2010 Transparency International Integrity Awards

(November 04, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Poddala Jayantha, President of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association, an IFJ affiliate, has been selected as a winner of the 2009-2010 Transparency International Integrity Awards. Jayantha, a courageous journalist activist in Sri Lanka, was abducted and brutally assaulted on June 1, 2009.

His attackers reportedly threatened Jayantha that he would never write again while crushing his hands in an act of torture. The assault was preceded by public statements by government spokesmen inciting violence against Jayantha, who has since left the country. “Your commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and good governance that Transparency International stands for, have been championed through your work in fighting the abuse of power for private gain and serves as an inspiration to others,” a letter advising Jayantha of his award said. The award will be presented at a ceremony in November. Tell a Friend