Thursday , 04 April 2013
The continuous attack carried out against “Udayan” press is a death alarm to the Sri Lankan Tamils freedom of expression was said by Tamil National Alliance Secretary Mawai Senathiraja.
He said "Udayan" which is one of the media establish the national emotions of Sri Lanka Tamil people, has once again come under violence attack.
The "Udayan" regional office located at Jaffna Kandy main road, Kilinochchi, was attacked by a gang of thugs with batons at around 5.00 am and had absconded after carrying out a worst ruthless attack.
"Udayan" branch Manager including five was severely injured and vehicles and office properties were severely damaged.
Attacks beyond limits are continuing against Tamil medias mainly "Udayan" press expressing the feelings of Tamils. Journalists are killed and are severely attacked and wounded. They are facing death threats.
A dangerous situation of threats to journalists and Medias are continuing. Direct attacks against the Medias have multiplied. Meanwhile the conspirators of the attackers’ against such Tamil Medias are not brought in front of the law. By observing this, transparently we have got two doubts.
Once, such attacks are advanced with the blessing from those in power. Attacks against Medias mainly towards “Udayan” press are continuously carried out and this attack establishes the death alarm for the Sri Lanka Tamils freedom for expression which is much saddening.
At an atmosphere the international society is loudly raising its voices concerning the continuous threats for media freedom in Sri Lanka, such anarchism is beyond limits are permitted to continue, which is a perfect evidence how far this dictatorship rule of this country is moving forward.
By maintaining those engaged in anarchism against the Medias, and instead of providing legal exempt, they should be arrested and produced in front of the law in future, and the President of this country should come forward to grant proper punishment, is an appeal we make.
The international too without expressing eye wash condemn reports continuously against this repression against media, should advance constructive activities and should utilize pressure in a useful manner to punish in the proper manner those engaged in such anarchism, which we appeal.
We insist government should give sufficient protection to media sector including "Udayan" press.
Our party meeting at Kilinochchi was attacked last week and the details and the photographs were published by the "Udayan" press and the conspirators were exposed, and in this backdrop the regional office of that press was targeted for this brutal attack which should be observed.
Thursday , 04 April 2013
The continuous attacks against "Udayan" press and journalists establish the suppression of media freedom in Sri lanka. Geneva accusations pointed out media suppressions are continued which is affirmed.
This ruthless attack is strongly condemned and the conspirators behind these attacks should be produced before law was a request made by United National party the main opposition party in Sri Lanka.
Ajith Perera, parliament member of United National party and opposition whip made this statement at a special media briefing held yesterday at the Colombo CFPS central center.
He said "Udayan" office located at Kilinochchi was attacked yesterday morning. Many in critical condition were admitted to the hospital.
Cowards unable to face democracy are engaged in such attacks. This is not the first time an attack was carried out against “Udayan” organization.
Many attacks have occurred continuously after the end of war. A death attempt was executed against "Udayan" News Editor Guganathan. Many reporters were continuously attacked. Vehicles and press copies were scorched. But so far none was arrested connected with these attacks.
The “Udayan” press office located at Kilinochchi main road was attacked yesterday early morning by unidentified persons. Many were injured and are treated at the Kilinochchi Base Hospital. The properties of the office were smashed and damaged.
Hooligans carried out the attack casually escaped from the locality. Military and police services are operating day and night at the Kilinochchi main center. In this environment, who are the unknown persons carried out the attacks and getting escape?
Where did they come and why, they are not arrested is the question raised.
Journalists from north and east including all areas are facing a variety of threats. Media suppression in Sri Lanka is denied by these activities. However, this allegation is now established by these acts. If government continues to maintain silence in this issue, a situation will arise to face the direct activities of the international society.
Attackers against media organizations and journalists should be arrested. The conspirators of this attack should be identified and brought in front of law. Meanwhile if this situation continues, we cannot live in peace. Government should take responsibility to this impacts and consequences.
