IFJ calls Sri Lanka to demonstrate commitment to protect media
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expressed their dismay at reports of assault and harassment of three media personnel by government officials in Colombo on July 18. The IFJ further stated that they are alarmed at reports that hundreds of police personnel at the scene did not intervene or were unable to stop the assaults.
“Now is the time for the subcommittee to demonstrate the Sri Lankan Government’s genuine commitment to support and protect Sri Lanka’s independent media, by investigating all attacks on media immediately and bringing the perpetrators to account,” the IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
On July 18th, The Daily Mirror’s - Journalist Yohan Perera was assaulted by persons said to be Sri Lanka Urban Development Authority officials, as he covered residents protesting demolition of homes in preparation for the SAARC summit.
Addressing a press conference on July 21st the Police Spokesman said that they are waiting for the victim to identify the assailants to record statements.
Full text of statement by IFJ:
Call for Investigation as Sri Lanka Government Officials Assault Journalists
The Intern ational Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is alarmed at reports of assault and harassment of three media personnel by government officials in Colombo on July 18.
The incident marks the eighth attack on independent media since the five main journalists’ organisations in Sri Lanka welcomed moves by the Government in late June to set up a Cabinet subcommittee to investigate media rights violations. The subcommittee, however, has not investigated any of the recent cases of intimidation or attacks on media personnel.
According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, officials from the Urban Development Authority reportedly assaulted Daily Mirror journalist Yohan Perera and photographer Pradeep Dilrukshana. Perera was hospitalised with injuries from the attack.
Television journalist Dushantha Manoj from Sirasa TV was also reportedly harassed by the officials.
The media personnel were reporting on the alleged illegal demolition of hundreds of homes in Colombo for the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting to be held in Colombo on August 2 and 3.
The IFJ is further dismayed at reports that hundreds of police personnel at the scene did not intervene or were unable to stop the assaults.
“We see this incident as a sign of the absolute intolerance towards independent coverage of critical issues related to democratic governance,” the FMM said.
The IFJ joined the FMM on July 18 in calling on the Government to ensure the subcommittee investigated immediately and transparently on the continuing intimidation and harassment of journalists and the independent media in Sri Lanka .
“Now is the time for the subcommittee to demonstrate the Sri Lankan Government’s genuine commitment to support and protect Sri Lanka ’s independent media, by investigating all attacks on media immediately and bringing the perpetrators to account,” the IFJ Asia -Pacific said.
“Only by encouraging a safe environment where journalists no longer fear for their lives will Sri Lanka be able to boast an independent media profession that is representative of real democracy.”
