Protest near parliament calling for end to harassment of journalists in North & East

The protest organised by journalists rights organisations and attended by human rights activists, journalists, clergy and members of Parliament is underway near the parliament roundabout calling for an end to harassment of journalists in the North and East.

MP G. Ponnambalam joined the  protest at the Polduwa junction. 

The protest follows the interrogation of Tamil Journalist Kumanan Kanapathipillai by the Sri Lanka Counter Terrorism Investigation Division for over 6 hours on August 17th.

On a social media post the journalist reported that he received a notice, on 7th August, to appear before the CTID. 

Mr. Kanapathipillai was a key reporter on ground at the Chemmani mass grave site where 140 skeletal remains had been discovered so far.

According to the International Federation of Journalists the CTID alleged via letter to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka that the journalist's coverage was 'disrespectful to the military’ with the potential to incite unrest between the authorities and Tamil people.

On his social media Mr. Kanapathipillai stated that he was questioned on his bank statements, phone records, overseas visits, social media posts and coverage of issues of the Tamil community. 

"I am deeply grateful for the unwavering solidarity, support, and love I have received. Your encouragement strengthens my resolve to continue fact-based reporting and to carry forward my work in the days ahead," he wrote.

Pix by Tharushi Weerasinghe