(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: HEAD PRIEST THREATENS PHOTOJOURNALIST The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the threat issued to The Sunday Leader photographer Asoka Fernando by Ven Galaboda Gnanissara, the head priest of the Gangarama Temple, on Thursday, April 24, 2003. The Sunday Leader is a leading English-language weekly in Sri […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
HEAD PRIEST THREATENS PHOTOJOURNALIST
The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the threat issued to The Sunday Leader photographer Asoka Fernando by Ven Galaboda Gnanissara, the head priest of the Gangarama Temple, on Thursday, April 24, 2003. The Sunday Leader is a leading English-language weekly in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Fernando had visited the temple to cover the visit of Mr Joe Sim, a former casino owner who was forced to leave Sri Lanka in 1991 under controversial circumstances. Mr Sim was visiting the temple to receive the blessings of Ven Galaboda Gnanissara on his arrival in Sri Lanka after a lapse of 12 years.
On seeing Mr Fernando on the temple premises, Ven Galaboda Gnanissara inquired as to which media organisation he represented. Upon being told he was from The Sunday Leader, he turned abusive and threatened to assault the photographer and destroy his equipment unless he left the temple premises immediately, alleging the newspaper had been critical of him on an earlier occasion.
The political affiliations of the head priest are well known to the public and he is a very influential personality. The FMM unreservedly condemns the threat issued against photojournalist Mr. Fernando of The Sunday Leader for performing his legitimate duties.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Convener, FMM
Victor Ivan
Secretary, FMM
