(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 January 2006 FMM press release: Threats to the Editor of Sunday Leader FMM expresses serious concern regarding the complaint made by the editor of the “Sunday Leader” newspaper, Mr. Lasantha Wikramatunge, to the inspector general of police alleging that President Mahainda Rajapaksa threatened him with abusive language over […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 January 2006 FMM press release:
Threats to the Editor of Sunday Leader
FMM expresses serious concern regarding the complaint made by the editor of the “Sunday Leader” newspaper, Mr. Lasantha Wikramatunge, to the inspector general of police alleging that President Mahainda Rajapaksa threatened him with abusive language over the telephone.
Mr. Wikramatunge sent his letter of complaint to the inspector general of police on 11 January, and copied it to FMM as well. According to Mr. Wikramatunga’s complaint, the President used abusive and threatening language on the grounds that the “Sunday Leader” newspaper mentioned his wife.
If Mr. Wickramatunge’s allegations are verified, FMM unreservedly condemns the behavior of the President. Furthermore, FMM strongly regrets its inability to obtain an official response to this allegation from the President’s Office to date, even though requests were made to this effect.
The FMM considers any threat from any source in response to a story published by media as a serious threat to the inviolable right to freedom of expression.
The seriousness of a mere allegation that the president used abusive and threatening language against a senior editor sends shock waves through the media community and serves as a sombre reminder of the insecure and dangerous situation that journalists in Sri Lanka have to face.
The FMM strongly defends the right to criticise stories published by media, provided all such criticisms are made within a democratic framework. It behoves those holding the highest offices in Sri Lanka to set an example by adhering to accepted democratic norms and principles, thereby helping to build a progressive media culture in Sri Lanka.
The allegations made by Mr. Wickramatunge demand immediate investigation. The FMM strongly recommends an urgent and impartial inquiry into this matter in the hope that such an investigative process will restore public confidence in high political office and media freedom in Sri Lanka.
