Press Statement

Wild elephant kills journalist on duty in Sri Lanka

09 Sep, 2015

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is saddened by death of a Sri Lankan journalist on duty on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in the North Central Province.

According to reports by the police, provincial journalist for News 1st TV Priyantha Ratnayake, 46, was killed by a wild elephant attacked him in Minneriya, near a national park. He had gone to the village to cover incidents of wild elephant attacks in the area. He was admitted to the Hingurakgoda Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The IFJ expresses condolence to the family of Ratnayake and urges his employer to provide compensation to his family.

The IFJ also urges the media houses to assess the safety situation for journalists before sending them to report in the area where there are risks to their physical safety.

The IFJ said: “The IFJ is sadden by the death of Priyantha Ratnayake in the line of duty and calls for safety training for all journalists to ensure such incidents are avoided. We urge the journalists to give priority to one’s safety and follow safety rules while on dangerous assignment.”

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946
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