(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 9 September 2001 FMM press release: FMM assistant secretary interdicted over a freedom of expression article On 16 August 2001, photojournalist Buddika Weerasinghe, who is employed by Sumathi (Publishers) Pvt Limited, was interdicted after an article was published in the newspaper “Ravaya”, based on an interview with him. Weerasinghe […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 9 September 2001 FMM press release:
FMM assistant secretary interdicted over a freedom of expression article
On 16 August 2001, photojournalist Buddika Weerasinghe, who is employed by Sumathi (Publishers) Pvt Limited, was interdicted after an article was published in the newspaper
“Ravaya”, based on an interview with him.
Weerasinghe is the FMM’s assistant secretary, assistant secretary of the Sri Lanka Photo Journalists’ Association and a long-time active member of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association. He is also closely associated with other media organisations.
The interview with Weerasinghe, published in “Ravaya”, was in connection with a campaign launched by the FMM to mark the second anniversary of an attack on photojournalists who were covering an opposition demonstration by the Presidential Security Division (PSD). The FMM’s campaign was launched on 21 July. Weerasinghe was given the responsibility of organising the protest campaign as he is one the photographers who was assaulted during the attack. The Editors’ Guild and publishers, excepting those of state-owned newspapers, joined the FMM in releasing
a joint press release protesting the fact that no legal action has been taken against the perpetrators.
Sumathi Publishers has now interdicted Weerasinghe for giving an interview on events of that day and the state’s subsequent attempts to cover up, which was part of the focus of the campaign organized by the FMM. The reason given is that Weerasinghe has breached his contract with Sumathi Publishers, by working for another publication company.
In FMM’s opinion, the publication of the “Ravaya” article which was based on an interview with Weerasinghe cannot be considered as “working for another publication company.” Rather, this interview was given in defense of freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.
FMM, the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association and the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions have jointly written a polite letter asking for a discussion with Sumathi Publishers, but have thus far not received a positive response from the company. The Sri Lanka Editors’ Guild has also tried to mediate without any success.
Sunanda Deshapriya – Convenor
Waruna Karunathilaka – Secretary
09.09.2001
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the managing director of Sumathi Publications:
– expressing your concern and protesting Weerasinghe’s interdiction
Appeals To
Jagath Sumamthipala
Managing Director, Sumathi Publications
c/o Lakbima newspaper
Sri Lanka
Fax: + 94 144 9593 / 94 74 617 931
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
