-Sri Lanka Working Journalists' Association
(Lanka-e-News -05.Feb.2025, 8.15 PM) The list of crimes committed against Sri Lankan journalists and media organizations over the past three decades is long and harrowing. These crimes—many of which were orchestrated by state and non-state actors—have remained unresolved for years, with justice continuously delayed.
Since a significant number of these attacks have occurred in January, Sri Lankan media organizations, including the Sri Lanka Professional Journalists Association, have persistently demanded justice for these atrocities. Recent reports indicate that the Attorney General has recommended the release of three security force members arrested in connection with the brutal murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge—one of the most heinous crimes committed during Black January. These individuals have been directly or indirectly linked to the charges thus far, making this a deeply concerning development.
Suppose the Attorney General’s Department is moving to exonerate these suspects. In that case, we express our unequivocal outrage and strong opposition—not just toward the Attorney General’s Department, but also toward the government as a whole, including the President, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Mass Media.
It is alarming that there is a grave concern within society that such a recommendation allegedly aligns with requests from associations of retired security force members who supported the current President in his election campaign. This raises grave concerns that the Attorney General’s Department is being used as a political tool to shield perpetrators of violence against journalists. In a country that has long suffered from lawlessness, it is deplorable that the very institutions entrusted with upholding justice continue to perpetuate impunity—even under a government elected with the promise of restoring the rule of law.
We call upon the Executive President—who publicly vowed during his campaign to hold perpetrators of serious crimes accountable—to ensure that political influence does not interfere with the independent judiciary. Those responsible for these crimes must face the full force of the law.
Furthermore, we urge all relevant authorities, including the Executive President, the Minister of Justice, and the Sri Lanka Professional Journalists' Association, to stand firm in upholding justice. Crimes committed against journalists and media organizations must be prosecuted without bias or political interference, regardless of rank or affiliation. The culture of impunity must end.
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by (2025-02-05 14:51:45)
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