The family members had expressed fear as Sivaram had been recieving death threats.

In a statement issued by the Free media Movement in Sri Lanka, details of the abduction were given.

"Darmaratnam Sivaram, member of editorial board of Tamil net web site, and political columnist in English daily The Daily Mirror abducted by unknown gang late this evening in Colombo around 10.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time eye witness told FMM."

Giving details about the incident the Free Media Movement says, "He was coming out to Bambalapitiya restaurant after having a drink with two friends, and abductors pushed away on of then who was walking with him and forcibly took Sivaram in to a waiting Inter cooler jeep, and speeded away. The restaurant is situated just opposite the Bamabalapitiya Police station."

Last year his house was searched by police twice but was unable to find any evidence against him.

"He has been branded as a pro LTTE journalist by various extreme political parties, groups media organisations." said Sunanda Deshapriya of the Free Media movement.

"FMM is very concerned for his life as this could be an another retaliatory abduction of rivel militant groups and urge international Press Freedom organisations to act immediately to secure his release" Said Sunanda Deshapriya.