JOURNALISTS DISTURBED AND ATTACKED BY NAVAL OFFICER IN FRONT OF THE COLOMBO FORT MAGISTRATE COURTS
It has been reported that three journalists have been disturbed and attacked by the security officer of Admiral Ravindra Wijegunarathne, Chief of Defence Staff in front of the Colombo-Fort Magistrate Courts on 28th November 2018.
Journalists Gayan Amarasekera of Lankadeepa, Indika Handuwala of Derana Aruna/ The Morning and Malith Gamage of Lakbima were disturbed and attacked by naval officer in civil clothes identifying himself as a security officer of Admiral Wijegunarathne . Admiral Wijegunarathne was charged for giving protection to the suspect who is responsible for abduction and disappearance of 11 youths. He was produced to the Colombo-Fort Magistrate Courts today.
Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association condemns the behaviour of the said security officer and treat this type of incidents as threats for media freedom and safety of journalists in the country.
Being the Commander In-Charge of all 3 forces including the Sri Lanka Navy, SLWJA request the President to hold a full investigation on this matter and do the needful and also ensure the media freedom and safety of journalists.
