Journalist cum TV presenter’s residence under attack

Veteran Journalist and TV presenter Chamuditha Samarawickrema's residence in Piliyandala has come under attack in the early hours of today.

The journalist and the family members were in the residence when unidentified persons forcibly entered the housing complex and pelted stones at the residence causing damages.

However, no injuries had been caused to the journalist, his wife and child.

The security guard of the complex had been held at gunpoint and ordered to open the gate.

At least three persons had come for the attack and they had been wearing masks.

Police said they had sent in a team soon after they had been alerted about the attack, but the persons responsible for the attack had escaped.

Police are in the process of check CCTV footage to identify the persons and arrest them.

Mr Samarawickrema who presents the newspaper headline programme and conduct political interviews for the Hiru channel is known for his critical comments on politicians.

Several media collectives and civil society outfits condemned the attack and called for a speedy investigation into the incident without delay. 

Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association pointed out that the attack came as a warning to fellow journalists and media institutions which are critical of the government policies and decisions in recent months.

The Journalists led organization also stressed that it was just last month, journalists across the country marked 'Black January' to commemorate assassinated journalists and crimes committed against journalists. "No one was prosecuted for those crimes as impunity prevails,"

Political parties including United National Party (UNP) and Peoples' Liberation Front (JVP) condemned the attack in strong terms urged the government to ensure the safety of the journalists. 

JVP said they believe that exposure of corrupt politicians and businessmen prompted the attack stressing that such attacks cannot stop the truth coming out, according to a statement issued by the party. The party also called the govt to allow an uninterrupted speedy inquiry.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called for a full investigation into the incident. 

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris said the government cannot be blamed for the attack adding that the necessary mechanism was in place to carry out such an investigation.