URGENT ALERT: "LANKA E NEWS" OFFICE SEALED!

The office of the ‘Lanka e news’, a prominent news website operating from Sri Lanka, has been sealed off by the authorities, according to the journalists attached to the news site. When the journalists reported to work today (29.01.10), they have found out that the office has been sealed off.

The website, which maintained a highly critical editorial policy towards the ruling party during the recent presidential race, was targeted by the authorities soon after the results were announced. Prior to the latest incident the Lanka e News complained that the government has blocked their website on the Election Day (26), restricting readers residing in Sri Lanka from accessing the site. Two days before the elections, another regular contributor to the website, Prageeth Eknalogoda, went missing after leaving the website office and his whereabouts remains unknown. On Thursday (28), the website reported that a group of armed men who were believed to be members of a VIP security division, has arrived at the website office in a vehicle bearing the registration number 32-8432, around 8.00 p.m. The armed group has surrounded the office, but left the scene after realizing that there was no one inside.

The latest step to shut down Lanka e News website is a part of a systematic repressive campaign unleashed by the ruling UPFA government against journalists and media institutions, aimed at silencing opposing views and voices. The Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka appeals to the international governments, rights groups and concerned parties to take immediate action by exerting pressure on the Sri Lankan government demanding an immediate stop to repressive actions carried out against Lanka E News website and its journalists.

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
29.01.2010