Huge demonstrations demanding a presidential Commission to probe into Rajapakse era crimes against media

(Lanka-e-News -27.Jan.2015, 3.45PM) Pressures are being brought to bear on the present government of good governance to appoint a special presidential Commission to investigate the assaults , murders and  abductions committed ,  as well as  threats and  intimidations that were directed against the journalists of the North and South during the Rajapakse era of lawlessness and violence .It is also being urged that the arson committed and attacks launched on media Institutions shall also be probed . In other words, it is being pressurized  that all crimes committed to stifle media freedom during the Rajapakse lawless period be investigated in general .

A huge demonstration with the participation of a number of leaders of civil and trade union organizations , media personnel and members of the public was staged in front of the Fort Railway station this evening. This massive protest was organized by Professional Newspaper   association .Signatures were also taken on a special display board demanding the fulfillment of the requests.

The president of the Professional Newspaper association , Lasantha Rahunage addressing the gathering said , ‘It is paramount that those who were responsible for these crimes be brought before the law and punished. It is only via such measures , the media freedom in Sri Lanka can be reinforced. We also request the political parties , trade unions ,  civil organizations, media organizations  who voiced their concerns on our behalf ,and all other citizens to join hands with us  to intensify the pressures on the government to appoint such a commission, ‘ Lasantha Rahunage exhorted.

Photographs are by Vimukthi De Soysa.

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by     (2016-01-27 10:48:03)