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SLPI and RSF condemn Chamuditha attack
The Paris-based international journalism not-for profit body, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Colombo-based Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) condemning the recent threats, attacks and intimidation of media personnel have called on the authorities to ensure that all forms of harassment of journalists in Sri Lanka is ended forthwith.
SLPI, a professional collective representing the media industry, said in a statement said it condemns any attacks or threats that prevent journalists from executing their duties.
“The SLPI is concerned with the implications affecting media freedom and the safety and security of those engaged in the media profession. It urges the law enforcement authorities to take swift actions for a safe and secure environment for journalists that ensure prevalence of democratic ideals and a free media in Sri Lanka,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the RSF calls for an independent investigation into an attack by armed men on the home of well-known Lankan TV journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama after he received death threats linked to his work. Those responsible for this punitive raid must be identified, and the authorities must end all forms of harassment of journalists, RSF says.
The RSF in a statement said: After a loud noise woke Chamuditha Samarawickrama at around 2:10 a.m. on 14 February, he heard shots being fired in his direction. He later found that the shots had shattered some of the windows of his home and that faeces had been thrown at walls.
Surveillance camera footage showed that at least four masked gunmen stormed his home in Piliyandala, a suburb of the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. To get into the compound, they threatened a security guard by holding a gun to his temple, and afterwards they left in the white van in which they had arrived.
The police have not established the motive for the attack but Samarawickrama had recently reported receiving several phoned death threats in connection with his work,
The host of two Hiru TV shows, “Salakuna” and “Patthare Wisthare,” Samarawickrama also conducts interviews on his own YouTube channel called “Truth with Chamuditha.”
In a recent interview, a former police officer who has obtained asylum in Britain criticised the methods used by the Rajapaksa family, one of whose members, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is the current president.
“The modus operandi used in this attack on Chamuditha Samarawickrama recalls the height of the persecution of Sri Lankan journalists,” said Daniel Bastard of RSF. “The perpetrators and instigators of this unacceptable act of intimidation must be identified and prosecuted. We urge the government to end all forms of harassment of the country’s journalists.”
Sri Lanka is ranked 127th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2021 World Press Freedom Index.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sources said that plans were afoot to file charges in connection with 15 major fraud and corruption cases in the near future.
The Commission sources said that these cases stem from thorough investigations into complaints that had previously gone unexamined, with recent file reviews prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. The forthcoming charges are based on detailed inquiries that uncovered substantial evidence pointing to serious misconduct.
To date, CIABOC has initiated inquiries into over 300 complaints received during the recent period, reflecting an expanded commitment to tackling corruption at multiple levels of governance.
Commission sources said that several former ministers and political affiliates from past administrations are among those implicated in the ongoing investigations, though specific names have yet to be disclosed.
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