Sri Lanka Mirror Staffers Arrested And Taken To The Fourth Floor By CID

June 29, 2012 

By Colombo Telegraph -

Nine staffers including several journalists were arrested and taken to the fourth floor for questioning after the Criminal Investigations Department raided the offices of the Sri Lanka Mirror and Sri Lanka X News websites earlier today.

Sri Lanka Mirror Editor Ruwan Ferdinands with Minister Basil

The CID which was conducting the raid based on a court order, raided the websites’ offices in Kotte this afternoon and seized seven computers from the premises, UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera told Colombo Telegraph.

Reports say the CID sealed the computers and checked mobile phone records during the raid.

Samaraweera said he had seen the court order authorizing the raid but could not provide further details.

Following the raid on the offices of the news websites, CID officers are now at the residence of Sri Lanka Mirror Editor Ruwan Ferdinands in Narahenpita, the opposition MP added.

Colombo Telegraph learns that several Sri Lanka Mirror staffers including Ferdinands have gone into hiding following the raid.

Update: Video and Picture added

Nine staffers including several journalists were arrested and taken to the fourth floor for questioning(Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana / Daily mirror)