IFJ Protests Over Violent Attacks Against Journalists in Sri Lanka

The International Federation of Journalists has protested to Jathika Hela Urumaya over the attack by its members on a Young Asian Media television crew covering a political rally of the JHU in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The IFJ has protested to the leader of the JHU and the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in the following letter:


15 March 2004


Mr Tilak Karunaratne
Secretary
Jathika Hela Urumaya
659, Elvitigala Mw,
Colombo 05.
Fax: +94 1 2369820

CC. Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
President Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo-1, Sri Lanka
Fax: +94 1 333 703

CC. Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghae
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
58 Sri Ernest de SilvaMwatha,
Colombo –7
Sri Lanka
Fax: +94 1 422073 542929
[email protected]




Dear Sirs and Madam President,

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation of journalists representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is deeply concerned over the attack against the Young Asia Television crew during coverage of a political rally of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU).

According to our information, on 2 March 2004 a Young Asia Television team was surrounded and harassed by a group of JHU followers whilst canvassing opinions of a JHU political rally in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Apparently, the group seized and destroyed the news crew’s tape and verbally assaulted the female member of the group who they had identified as a Christian.

This event follows similar attacks by JHU supporters against the media. In late February, JHU supporters reportedly attacked two private television cameramen filming the party’s first public meeting in Panadura.

The IFJ calls on the leading monks of the JHU to launch an investigation into the actions of its followers and to ensure that the anti-media attitude prevalent amongst the JHU and the Sihala Urumaya political group is halted immediately.

The IFJ calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to take action to ensure that intolerance amongst religious and political groups in Sri Lanka is discouraged.


Yours sincerely



Christopher Warren
IFJ President



Recommended Action:

Send appeals to the Government of Sri Lanka

  • Condemning the actions of the followers of the JHU
  • Urging the JHU to launch an investigation into the actions of its followers
  • Urging the leadership monks of the JHU to immediately halt all violent and intolerant actions against the media

    Appeals:

    Mr Tilak Karunaratne
    Secretary
    Jathika Hela Urumaya
    659, Elvitigala Mw,
    Colombo 05.
    Fax: +94 1 2369820

    CC. Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
    President Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
    Presidential Secretariat
    Colombo-1, Sri Lanka
    Fax: +94 1 333 703

    CC. Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghae
    Prime Minister
    Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
    58 Sri Ernest de SilvaMwatha,
    Colombo –7
    Sri Lanka
    Fax: +94 1 422073 542929
    [email protected]

    Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at [email protected]
    For more information please contact IFJ Asia at [email protected]