Press Statement

Sri Lanka: SLWJA strongly condemns the attack on the house of journalist/presenter Chamuditha Samarawickrama

17 Feb, 2022

Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) strongly condemns with disgust the attack on the
house of Journalist/Presenter, Mr. Chamuditha Samarawickrama in the dawn of 14th February 2022.
We are of the view that the purpose of such attacks are to pose a serious threat to media freedom in
the country. This incident which took place just after the Black January Commemoration, could be an
alarm too, to the media society. Also in an environment where justice has not yet been done for the
journalists who have been murdered, brutally tortured and forcibly disappeared in this country, such
attacks may be a reminder of the same dark past.
On the other hand, SLWJA believes that the release of perpetrators involved in all sorts of crimes against
the media in the past could be a blessing in disguise. Also prompt investigations into the attack and
bringing the perpetrators to justice should be a top priority of the responsible legal authorities.
If there is a problem with any party regarding Mr. Chamuditha Samarawickrama’s use of media, it
should be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with the law of the country. It should be
noted that Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association strongly condemns such attacks which create
serious problems for media freedom and will not hesitate to seek possible interventions in locally and
internationally to prevent such situations.

Duminda Sampath

President

Frank De Zoysa

Secretary

 

Written By

Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association

Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association 276/3 Pradeepa Mawathe Maligawathe Colombo 10, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94 1 429 248 Fax: +94 1 429 240

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