Politicians allied with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa publicly criticized journalists Dharisha Bastians and Arthur Wamanan for helping the New York Times investigate Rajapaksa's financial transactions.
This statement was originally published on FMM’s Facebook page on 5 July 2018.
The Free Media Movement considers the statement made by the parliamentarian Kanchana Wijesekara focusing his ire on journalists Dharisha Bastians and Arthur Wamanan, who provided logistic support for the publication of an investigative article in the New York Times detailing the financial transactions of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as an indirect threat to these two journalists and requests all responsible parties to ensure the safety of these two.
Further, this incident reveals the gross violation of the inalienable right of media professionals to support investigative journalism and sharing information. It’s not only an intervention against their professional activities; it’s also a threat to their security.
If there is any issue related to the article published in the New York Times, instead of following due process, the present behavior of the former President and his supporters is a threat to media freedom.
The Free Media Movement considers any intervention by any party into freedom of expression as a dangerous signal. And further, the Free Media Movement appeals to all parties vouched to protect freedom of expression, to act against the atmosphere created by this incident.
“It is unacceptable for journalists to be intimidated in this way. This action appears intended to silence critics and curb press freedoms, and ultimately deprive Sri Lankans of information in the public interest” @nytimes #srilanka #lka pic.twitter.com/jaX54jvghC
— FMMsrilanka (@FMMsrilanka) July 3, 2018
