Access to anti-government website blocked
A journalist told CPJ the shutdown may stem from Lanka eNews’ coverage of a shootout involving parliamentarians close to Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa.
IFJ welcomes partner organisations’ press freedom mission to Jaffna
A team of activists asked Jaffna journalists and media workers about the situation they face since the end of the civil war in May 2009 and the lifting of restrictions on movement.
Newspaper chairman threatened by President Rajapaksa
President Rajapaksa threatened Lal Wickrematunge in a phone call because of an article reporting that China had given the president and his son money to be used “at their discretion.”
IFJ outraged by brutal attack on senior journalist in Jaffna
The daily “Uthayan”‘s editorial policy in backing the Tamil National Alliance appears to be the provocation for the near lethal attack on its senior news editor, says IFJ.
Tamil journalist bound, shot, during civil war
Video footage of the journalist apparently executed in the final stages of Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war underscores the need for an urgent international inquiry, says CPJ.
FMM condemns arrest of journalist, two others by Borella Police
The journalist and her friends were putting up posters advertising an open forum to discuss several contentious issues.
CPJ calls for UN action in case of journalist missing for over 500 days
Prageeth Eknelygoda has not been seen by his wife or the couple’s two teenage sons since he left for work on the morning of 24 January 2010.
FMM condemns attack on “Uthayan” journalist
S. Kavitharan had written critical reports about the security situation in Jaffna and the activities of pro-government paramilitary groups.
Thirty-seven IFEX members urge authorities to accommodate visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression
The groups urged President Rajapaksa to invite the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, to Sri Lanka, while expressing deep concern for journalists who continue to be subjected to threats, harassment and assaults with alarming regularity.
Authorities ban Lanka eNews
A Pugoda magistrate’s court ordered the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to suspend Lanka eNews while it tries the site’s detained journalist, Shantha Wijeysooria, for contempt of court.
Another Lanka eNews journalist arrested
Five police officers arrested Shantha Wijeysooria at the website’s Colombo offices. He faces contempt of court charges.
IFJ urges full investigation as editor granted bail
Bennett Rupasinghe was released on personal bail of US$2,700 after being detained at Welikada prison in Colombo since 31 March.
Colombo diplomatic corps urged to act immediately to free ailing journalist
Lanka eNews news editor Bennet Rupasinghe was arrested by police after responding to a summons.
Harassed and threatened, news website’s journalists no longer able to work normally
Three media freedom and human rights groups appeal to international organisations for help in finding the means to guarantee the physical safety of LankaeNews’ journalists.
IFJ welcomes United Nations’ response on missing journalist’s case
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has responded positively to a letter requesting the UN’s support in the case of missing Lanka-e-News columnist and cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda.
Media rights groups to U.N.: intervene in case of missing journalist Prageeth Eknelygoda
Five prominent media rights organisations sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, calling on the U.N. to intervene in the case of Eknelygoda, who disappeared on 24 January 2010.