I Don’t Think Sirisena Govt Will Investigate Journo Killings: Uvindu Tells IPI

January 14, 2015

“One minister, Rajitha Senaratne said that the government will investigate Lasantha’s murder in a press briefing. I have reservations about that. It is not only Lasantha’s murder; there have been dozens of killings. The former army commander who had command responsibility for those killings and attacks is a key figure in the new administration, so I don’t think they will investigate those.” says Uvindu Kurukulasuriya, founder and editor of the Colombo Telegraph.

Giving an interview to the International Press Institute, the Colombo Telegraph editor said; “We need an independent state commission. We also need a competition commission to avoid monopolizing media in the future. And the government should transform state-owned broadcasters, newspapers and websites into public service media.”

When asked what is most important to understand about the current transition he said; “dictators have no place in this new media era, Sri Lanka has shown how to change a ruthless regime without any violence. The fact that there was no post-election violence sets a good example.”

We publish below the interview in full;

Rights advocates welcome promised changes in Sri Lanka

New president says news websites will be unblocked, press to be free

VIENNA, Jan 13, 2014 – Press freedom advocates this week cautiously greeted promises that press freedom in Sri Lanka will improve after former health minister and opposition coalition candidate Maithripala Sirisena unexpectedly unseated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an election last Thursday, but some observers remained wary.                                                                     Read More