Journalist’s Life in Danger – UHRO Makes Urgent Call For His Protection – (Video)

* Prominent Journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama Faces Ongoing Threats

By Marlon Dale Ferreira

Colombo, Sri Lanka – July 24, 2024: The United Human Rights Organization (UHRO), led by President H.A. Amarasena, has issued an urgent appeal for the protection of prominent journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama. In an official letter, UHRO highlighted the imminent danger to Samarawickrama’s life and called on the Minister of Public Security and the Chief of Police to ensure his safety and that of his family.

Persistent Threats and Attacks

Chamuditha Samarawickrama, a fearless journalist known for his outspoken and critical reporting, has frequently made headlines through his daily news recaps on Hiru Television and his popular YouTube channel ‘Truth with Chamuditha.’ His platform has been pivotal in exposing acts of fraud and corruption, garnering a significant following on social media. Additionally, he hosts the talk show ‘Salakuna’ on Hiru Television every Monday night, where he and his colleagues interview political figures.

The recent threats to Samarawickrama’s life are not isolated incidents. Two years ago, his home in Piliyandala was attacked by an unknown group. Four masked men arrived in a white van, armed with weapons, and after threatening the security guard at gunpoint, they pelted stones and fired gunshots at his residence. This attack is reminiscent of a darker period in Sri Lanka’s history when journalists were frequently targeted to silence their voices.

In June 2024, suspicious individuals attempted to enter Samarawickrama’s housing compound, raising further concerns for his safety. Despite the severity of these incidents, investigations have yet to yield any arrests, fueling fears of political motivations behind the attacks.

Urgent Need for Protection

UHRO’s letter condemns the threats made similar to what K.D. Lal Kantha, an Executive Member of the National People’s Power (NPP) openly made recently and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding journalists to maintain freedom of the press and ensure unbiased reporting.

Citing the above the letter read ” UHRO condemns with disdain the attempts of certain individuals / political leaders to violate those rights.”

Elaborating further it stated “It is regrettable to note that the investigations by the police on the attempts made by two unknown persons to enter Cambridge Court Housing Scheme, Wewala, Piliyandala on the 26th of June 2024 where Senior Journalist C. Samarawickrama lives with his family and the incident/damages to his same residence two years back too have not concluded as yet with credibility/transparency,” UHRO stated.

The Broader Context of Threats to Journalism

The plight of Samarawickrama highlights the broader issue of threats to journalists in Sri Lanka. Political intimidation, violence, legal harassment, government censorship, and lack of protection are rampant, creating a perilous environment for journalists. Economic pressures and threats from non-state actors further exacerbate the situation, leading to self-censorship and stifling critical reporting.

Since 1980, numerous journalists have been killed or assassinated in Sri Lanka, including high-profile figures like Lasantha Wickrematunge and Richard de Zoysa. The culture of impunity surrounding these attacks has contributed to a chilling effect on press freedom.

The urgent appeal by UHRO underscores the need for immediate action to protect Chamuditha Samarawickrama and ensure justice for the attacks against him. The Sri Lankan government must demonstrate its commitment to press freedom by conducting thorough and transparent investigations into these incidents and holding the perpetrators accountable. Ensuring the safety of journalists is crucial for maintaining a free and independent press in Sri Lanka.