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| Sunday, 7 March 2004 |
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Tilak says 'sorry' toYoung Asia TV Mr. Tilak Karunaratne on behalf of the Jathika Hela Urumaya apologised to the Young Asia Television and assured an immediate inquiry into an incident, on March 2, where the Young Asia TV crew were intimidated. The statement by the Young Asia TV as follows: On the 2nd of March 2004, a YA TV production crew attended the Jathika Hela Urumaya election meeting in Kandy, as part of a regular coverage of election related activities for weekly broadcast. The crew had begun their assignment in Kelaniya, at the Raja Maha Viharaya, from where the contestants and supporters of the JHU left for Kandy. The highlight of this public meeting was the release of the JHU's election manifesto. After the public meeting, the YA TV crew proceeded to Dalada Veediya to carry out interviews with the public on their views and opinions about the recently concluded election meeting. In less than ten minutes they were surrounded by an aggressive group of supporters of the JHU, uniformly dressed in white attire with identifying badges, as well as some members of the Buddhist clergy. The YA TV crew were identified as representatives of an NGO and verbally abused for 'selling peace' and 'betraying the country'. The unruly crowd then demanded to see their identity cards before threatening to damage the camera and tape. The tape which was given to them under pressure was destroyed in their presence. It is also ironic that the violent and aggressive actions of the supporters of the JHU are a completely contradiction to the Buddhist culture they wish to safeguard through their political campaigning. Interestingly, the entire political eve of the JHU was covered by YA TV without any obstruction by the organisers or supporters. However, they were prevented from capturing the ordinary public's opinion of the event and political developments in the country. Whilst violence and intimidation have become an inevitable part of the political culture in Sri Lanka, it is imperative that the media is free to report independently and without partisanship, in the interests of the people of the country. Following a written complaint by Young Asia Television Mr. Tilak Karunaratne of the Jathika Hela Urumaya responded by apologising and assuring an immediate inquiry into the incident. |
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