SL Government reiterates it’s commitment to safeguard media freedom

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said an immediate investigation will be conducted regarding UNP intimidations directed at Dinamina journalist Hirushi Wimalaweera.
The Minister has received complaints that the UNP has intimidated the journalist preventing her from covering UNP press briefings. Accordingly, the Minister requested the Lake House Chairman to hold an investigation regarding the security and media freedom of the journalist.
The Minister pointed out that it is unfortunate that the UNP which speaks of media freedom acts in such a way. He stressed that the government ensures the freedom of journalists to express their views and any journalist can cover any media conference.

Speaking at the cabinet press briefing SSP Deshabandu Thennakoon said a majority of the investigations into recent intimidations and threats directed at journalists have concluded. He said an extensive investigation is now being held into the attack on Rupavahini Programmes Director Lal Hemantha Mawalage. The complaint regarding Ravaya journalist Lasantha Ruhunage of being followed by an individual has been resolved. CID investigations have revealed that the nabbing with a knife of Thinakural journalist Mohammed Suhair was the result of a private dispute. Investigations are now being held into threats faced by family members of Rupavahini journalist Dulip Nishantha.

In reply to a quarry by a journalist, Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said CID investigations continue into the attack on Rupavahini News Director
T.M.G. Chandrasekara.