The late Lasantha Wickrematunge, the former Sunday Leader editor who was assassinated on January 8, has been named laureate of the 2009 UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize.
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Lasantha
Wickrematunge |
A statement issued last week by the office of UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura quoted jury president Joe Thloloe, as saying that the jury members were “moved to an almost unanimous choice by a man who was clearly conscious of the dangers he faced but nevertheless chose to speak out, even beyond his grave”.
Mr. Thloloe, who is also ombudsman for the Press Council of South Africa, referred to the laureate’s posthumous editorial in which he voiced his commitment to press freedom at the risk of his life. “Lasantha Wickrematunge continues to inspire journalists around the world,” Mr. Thloloe added
UNESCO Director-General Mr. Matsuura welcomed the choice of Mr Wickrematunge:
“In awarding the 2009 World Press Freedom Prize to a committed journalist who opposed war, UNESCO, along with media professionals from all over the world, recognises the important role that freedom of expression can play in fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation, the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration.”
The Director-General will present the World Press Freedom Prize in a ceremony on May 3, World Press Freedom Day, which UNESCO will celebrate this year in Doha, capital of Qatar. |
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