Sirimalwatta & Eknaligoda Incidents Are No Threat To Media Freedom – Media Minister

How could detaining and questioning of Chief Editor of ‘Lanka’ newspapers Chandana Sirimalwatta and the disappearance of the journalist of ‘Lanka e News’ Eknaligoda be a violation of media freedom asked Minister of Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. He said this speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Media. The minister answered several questions posed by a journalist from ‘Lanka e News.’

Q: You said there was a question whether journalist of ‘Lanka e News’ Eknaligoda set up his own disappearance. The SP for Nugegoda Deshabandu Tennekone has told Mrs. Eknaligoda to refrain from making any media statements if she waned to hear any good news about her husband. As a journalist from ‘Lanka e News’ I don’t believe the blatant lie that Eknaligoda arranged his own disappearance. This rumour is spread by the government. The police is responsible to find out whether Mr. Eknaligoda staged his disappearance or he was ‘disappeared.’ Why are inquires being delayed even when Mrs. Eknaligoda had given names of suspects and their phone numbers?  

A: The IGP has promised to expedite the investigations regarding Mr. Eknaligoda and reveal the truth to the country. Government security sections have not apprehended Mr. Eknaligoda.

Q: Mr. Eknalidgoda did not stage his disappearance. He was either apprehended by the government security forces or armed groups maintained with the knowledge of the government.

A: I say with responsibility that government security sections have not apprehended Mr. Eknaligoda.

Q: Do you say that he was not taken by an armed group that is connected with the government?

A: I can only say that he was not taken by government security forces.  

Q: You asked us how detaining and questioning of Chief Editor of ‘Lanka’ newspapers Chandana Sirimalwatta and the disappearance of the journalist of ‘Lanka e News’ Eknaligoda could be a violation of media freedom. It is not a matter of Sirimalwatta and Eknaligoda only. After Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse became the President in 2005, 27 journalists have been made to disappear or murdered. 102 journalists have been assaulted and injured. After the presidential election on the 26th an armed gang of goons encircled our media institution for three days to seize our journalists. I informed this incident to you and the police. The Inspector of Police of Welikada Police who conducted an inquiry on our information has been transferred. Isn’t this media suppression?

A: I took measures as soon as you informed me. There could be threats from various groups. I’m now aware of the transfer of OIC of Welikada Police.