In a letter to Inspector General of Police Young Journalists Association of Sri Lanka has requested him to investigate the alleged death threats to journalist Chamuthitha Samarawekrama.
The letter follows:
Inspector General of Police,
Police Headquarters,
Colombo.
Inspector General of Police,
In connection with the alleged death threats made to Mr. Chamuditha Samarawickrama
Chamuditha Samarawickrema, a former media secretary of Maithripala Sirisena and freelance journalist of Hiru TV has said in an interview with journalist Harindra Jayalal that he was under threat of death and that some people were trying to kill him.
If this statement is true, it is a serious matter. Although our association has some criticism of Mr. Chamuditha Samarawickrema’s use of the media, we emphasize that his freedom of speech and expression and his right to life must be protected.
Mr. Samarawickrema also stated that no complaint has been lodged with the police regarding the alleged threats to his life. If his statement is true, we, as the Young Journalists Association of Sri Lanka, request that an immediate inquiry be launched into his whereabouts and that his life be secured.
The video of Mr. Chamuditha’s statement is attached. We look forward to your prompt intervention in this regard.
Thank you
Sri Lanka Young Journalists Association
( Translation from original Sinhala letter)