Watchdogs say mere statements from the govt. are not enough

New York based media watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged the government to fully investigate the attack and “take measures to ensure the security of all media workers”.

“Too often journalists aligned with either side of the conflict have been targeted by killers and thugs,” said Ann Cooper, CPJ’s executive director.

Two media workers were instantly killed and three others sustained injuries in the attack on Tuesday evening.

Paramilitary blamed

Uthayan journalists said the attackers sprayed bullets all over office after failing to find Chief Reporter Kuhanathan.

Condemning the attack, the government has ordered an immediate investigation.

Not only the journalists, the government is committed to safeguard every citizen in Sri Lanka Media Minister

Police chief Chandra Fernando said that police in Jaffna have arrested six suspects connected to the shooting at Uthayan newspaper on Tuesday night.

He said four of the suspects are students studying in a private tuition centre.

'Discredit the government'

Speaking with BBC Sandeshaya Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa pledged to safeguard journalists’ security.

“Not only the journalists, the government is committed to safeguard every citizen in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Statements are no substitute for governmental accountability in regard to safeguarding the lives of the civilian population NPC

Minister Yapa said he considered the attack as an “attempt to discredit” the government.

Uthayan journalists and international media watchdogs, however, accused paramilitaries working with Sri Lanka security forces of carrying out the attack.

Statements 'not enough'

Paris based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said paramilitary forces working with impunity from the state are to be blamed.

Welcoming the government’s condemnation, the National Peace Council (NPC) has recalled that the authorities have failed to bring killers of many other journalists into justice.

“Statements are no substitute for governmental accountability in regard to safeguarding the lives of the civilian population,” a statement issued by the NPC said.