URGENT ALERT: CID SEALS "LANKA IRIDA"!

The officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who broke into "Irida Lanka" newspaper office in the early hours of Saturday (30) have now sealed off the newspaper office a short while ago – at around 14.00.p.m Sri Lanka time. Before closing down the office, the CID officers have questioned everyone inside the office, while preventing anyone from outside visiting the office.

In the aftermath of the presidential election, the Sri Lankan government has launched an all out war against all the media who backed the candidacy of former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka. The decision to seal off "Irida Lanka" follows the earlier action taken by the government to close down another pro-opposition website "Lanka E News" on Thursday (28) evening. The arrested editor of "Irida Lanka", Chandana Sirimalwatte, is still being held in CID custody.

The Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka appeals to all the responsible governments and rights groups to act without delay and to exert maximum pressure on the Sri Lankan government demanding an immediate halt to the unprecedented repressive onslaught launched against dissenting media.

Please make phone calls and send emails to:

The President of Sri Lanka - + 94 112447400/ email -president@presidentsoffice.lk

Secretary to the President - +94 112 2326309 / email - prsec@presidentsoffice.lk

Minister of Information Anura Yapa - + 94 0773 814470 (mobile) / +94 112596557 (Office)

Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya - +94 112 421750 / +94 773088400 email - igp@police.lk

Spokesman Mr. Nimal Madiwake (Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police) - +94 72 2248235

SSP I.M. Karunarathne (Assistant Media Spokesman) - +94 11 4236161 +94 772 602897

(please send copies of your emails to journalistsfordemocracy@gmail.com)

Executive Committee
Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka
30.01.2010