News

Editors Guild condemns CID for hounding editors

Published

4 years ago

2021/10/3

The Editors Guild of Sri Lanka (TEGOSL) strongly condemned a move by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to summon and record statements from three senior newspaper editors and several

journalists regarding the complaint lodged by Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena against former director of the Consumer Affairs Authority Thushan Gunawardena related to the Sathosa garlic scam.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Sisira Paranathanthri, TEGOSL has questioned the right of the CID to pursue journalists including editors who reported certain incidents in the country by viewing what was believed to be an accurate report of an offence in a civilized society.

The statement said: “Instead of shamelessly hounding the media which exposed the scam, the CID should have questioned the parties directly accused by the minister and brought them before the law

after conducting proper investigations.

“We would like to question whether the CID, despite its professional responsibility, decided to summon the President of The Editors Guild of Sri Lanka, who is also the Chief Editor of the Lankadeepa, Siri

Ranasinghe, and its members, the Editor of Divaina, Anura Solomons, and the Editor of The Island,

Prabath Sahabandu, as though they were connected to the scam.

“The letter dated 28.09.2021 sent by the CID to the Lankadeepa Editor says that the Trade Minister has lodged a complaint claiming that he had been defamed and insulted by the print and electronic media publishing hateful statements by Thushan Gunawardena.

“It is shocking that Bandula Gunawardena, who sat as a minister in Parliament in 2002 was not aware that Parliament unanimously voted to repeal the criminal defamation laws in the same year. Under

what legal provision did the CID attempt to obtain statements from Lankadeepa Editor Ranasinghe

and other journalists at the Lankadeepa office on Sept 28.

“We once again denounce the shameless and ridiculous act of the CID hounding editors and journalists instead of dealing with the parties directly involved in the scam according to the law in a context

where the criminal defamation laws have been repealed in Sri Lanka. This is a huge threat and a danger on the freedom of media.”

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

9 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and 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.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

News

Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.