Issuing a statement Free Media Movement says that journalist Prasad Purnimal Jayamanne had been assaulted by a group including the son of a former Wayamba Provincial Council member. This is the second such incident reported within two months. On 06 December 2019 journalist Thusitha Kumara de Silva and his wife Anusha Kumari was assaulted by a gang associated with another politician.
Statement issued by the FMM follows:
January 20, 2020/Press Release
The law should be enforced immediately against the assault of journalist – Free Media Movement
The Free Media Movement strongly condemns the unruly mob attack on journalist Prasad Purnimal Jayamanne during his visit to report on an environmental disaster.
According to the reports received by the Free Media Movement, the attack had taken place when he had visited to report on an unauthorised filling of a paddy field in Wennappuwa.
Prasad Purnimal Jayamanne states that he was assaulted by a group including the son of a former Wayamba Provincial Council member who had taken over the land filling from another former Wayamba Provincial Council member who claims to own the paddy field.
Prasad Purnimamal Jayamanne was similarly assaulted in the Mundalama police area about a month ago and the police had conducted an inquiry on a complaint made by the villagers without calling or inquiring from the assaulted journalist.
Harassment of professional journalists who are responsible for reporting the truth to the public, is in no way acceptable. Authorities remaining silent on complaints made about such incidents in their police areas is an extremely disturbing trend.
Free Media Movement reiterates that it is the responsibility of the government to maintain an environment in which journalists can engage in their activities free of violence and intimidation and urge the relevant police authorities to investigate the incident immediately and to enforce the law against the perpetrators.
- Free Media Movement