The Free Media Movement has issued a statement strongly condemning the attack on Lankadeepa journalist Yasanta Ariyasena during a meeting of the National People’s Power. Below is the announcement.
The Free Media Movement Strongly Condemns the Attack on Journalist Yasanta Ariyasena – Free Media Movement
The Free Media Movement condemns the attack on Yasanta Ariyasena, the Hakmana regional journalist for Lankadeepa newspaper, who attended a meeting of youth organizations of the National People’s Force for media coverage. The attack is considered abhorrent, and the organization strongly condemns it.
Journalist Yasanta Ariyasena, who was attacked on October 20, was admitted to Gangodagama Regional Hospital and transferred to Tangalle Base Hospital on the 21st for further examination.
Ariyasena, who has lodged a complaint with Hakmana Police, stated that after the meeting ended, a person who identified himself as a youth organization representative of the National People’s Power attacked him, questioning a story published in Lankadeepa.
Media organizations and the broader media community expect justice from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, especially in a context where crimes against journalists have gone unresolved.
The Free Press Movement highlights that this attack is a direct threat to the credibility of the justice process that the media community expects.
If any media reporting is in question, there are proper legal and ethical way to address it. Attacking journalists raises serious concerns about the freedom of speech, expression, and the state of democracy.
Such incidents shatter the hopes of citizens who established the new government, aspiring for a more prosperous and disciplined political culture.
Therefore, the Free Media Movement calls upon the National People’s Power to immediately intervene, ensure justice for journalist Yasanta Ariyasena, and take appropriate action against the political representative responsible for the incident.
– Free Media Movement