(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 August 2005 FMM press release: FMM condemns killing of journalist Relangi Selvarajah Free Media Movement strongly condemns the murder of journalist Relangi Selvarajah and her husband, by unknown gunmen on 12 August 2005. They were both shot dead at approximately 1:00 p.m., in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. Relangi Selvarajah had […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 August 2005 FMM press release:
FMM condemns killing of journalist Relangi Selvarajah
Free Media Movement strongly condemns the murder of journalist Relangi Selvarajah and her husband, by unknown gunmen on 12 August 2005. They were both shot dead at approximately 1:00 p.m., in Bambalapitiya, Colombo.
Relangi Selvarajah had previously been a full-time journalist for the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) and was working as a part-time television presenter for the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation (SLRC) at the time of her death.
The attack appears to be part of an ongoing killing spree carried out by rival armed Tamil groups. FMM condemns the murder as an attack on the right to life and journalists’ rights.
Although FMM does not place blame on any particular group for the murder, it notes that both the journalist and her husband have close connections to the anti-LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) former militant group PLOTE (Peoples Liberation Organizations of Tamil Eelam).
FMM reiterates its call on armed Tamil groups to engage in peaceful means to sort out their differences and refrain from making journalists a target of their battles. At the same time, FMM urges the government to initiate a speedy inquiry into the murders.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson, FMM
