Sri Lankan Ambassador invites journalist delegation to observe
freedoms firsthand
In response to a meeting yesterday at the Embassy of
Sri Lanka with a delegation from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ),
the Ambassador for Sri Lanka to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya,
reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka's outrage for attacks on
journalists and commitment to supporting media freedom. He also
encouraged delegation members to meet with a cross section of reporters
actively working in the country to learn firsthand more about the
current situation.
"The Government of Sri Lanka is perturbed by threats
against media workers and especially repulsed by the alleged attacks on
media workers," said the Ambassador. "The Government in no way condones
or endorses any such attacks. Further, the Embassy would be pleased to
facilitate any visits by journalists and arrange meetings with
appropriate officials. If formal complaints have been made on alleged
threats or harassment, the Embassy will pursue them with the relevant
authorities in Sri Lanka for appropriate action."
During the meeting, the Ambassador stressed that media
freedom exists in full force in Sri Lanka and journalists enjoy freedom
of reporting and commenting on events in Sri Lanka, subject to
limitations constitutionally placed on them. It was pointed out that
those who have violated laws in the country have been subject to arrest
and detention and brought under the due process that exists in Sri
Lanka. Those laws are applicable to journalists as well.
One such example are the issues relating to the arrest
and detention and upcoming trial of journalist J.S. Tissanayagam. The
Ambassador pointed out that a confession made by Tissanayagam has been
admitted and the defence has been called for March 20, 2009.
It was noted that due process is observed in all cases
of arrest and detention and journalists would go through this process
when they are brought to trial. Concerns were expressed by the
delegation that investigations into the incidents pertaining to
journalists are taking a long time and the government must expedite this
process. It was assured to the delegation that the investigations have
been launched in all these cases and the government will be taking steps
to bring these offenders to trial.
On the question of non disclosure of information,
relating to the ongoing investigations, it was pointed out that the
magistrate gets periodic reports about the progress of ongoing
investigations. The Ambassador pointed out that complete transparency
prevails in regards to journalists, and he is committed to hosting
future meetings to iron out any concerns that might arise.
Courtesy: Embassy of Sri Lanka - Washington -
DC |
