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| Sunday, 15 May 2005 |
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Working Journalists cry foul over assault on Rupavahini reporter by Anura Maitipe The Working Journalists Association has strongly condemned the assault on Rupavahini News Reporter Upul Shantha while he was covering the protest campaign held by the UNP in Polonnaruwa district. Working Journalists Association Sri Lanka President Sanath Balasooriya expressed his condemnation to the "Sunday Observer". Journalists should have their freedom to express their views regardless of their race, caste, religion or political ideology.They should not be harassed by any political party or politicians. It is regrettable that so far the UNP leadership has made no comment on the assault of Rupavahini Journalist Upul Shantha under the patronage of the UNP MP Hemakumara Nanayakkara. Meanwhile Journalists were surprised over the utter silence maintained by certain media elements who were clamouring for media freedom. In certain incidents they were much more vociferous but in this particular incident they are on a soft pedal. It appears that their main objective is not media freedom but foreign currency for the well-being of their families. This was not the first assault on a journalist by the UNP politicians. In the late 1970s the famous cartoonist Yunus was stabbed on his hand. And in mid 1980s "The Island" photographer Wimal Surendra was killed. Later his helmet was found in the house of a then Minister. The famous journalist and dramatist Richard de Soysa was abducted and killed. All these assaults and killings took place during a UNP regime but the UNP never tendered an apology. Seeking an apology from the UNP is just like seeking an apology from hangman. |
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