Samaraweera has criticised government's human rights record

Samaraweera accused Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the younger brother of the President, of threatening senior journalists and ordering arrests of those criticise the government.

Samaraweera was sacked by the President on 09 February accusing him of "plotting against" Rajapaksa's life.

Mawbima director arrested

The parliamentarian still holds the post of treasurer in the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Paris based media watchdog, Reporters Without borders (RSF), accused Defence Secretary of ordering the arrest of a publisher of a media group.

	Basnayake was arrested by Terrorist Investigation Division (TID)

Dushantha Basnayake, who is also the Finance Director of Standard Newspaper Group LTd., was arrested on Monday evening by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID).

The group's publications, Mawbima Sinhala weekly and Sunday Standard, have been critical of government's human rights record.

In a letter to the President, Samaraweera has alleged that every five hours a person disappears in Sri Lanka.

Parameswaree Maunasami

Both RSF and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) protested use of anti-terror laws against media personnel.

Authorities have not made public their allegations against her (Parameswaree), but deny that her detention is related to her journalism CPJ statement

"We are disturbed by the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with Mawbima, which has been outspoken in its criticism of the President," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon in a statement.

The US-based media watchdog recalls that a Tamil journalist worked for Mawbima, Parameswaree Maunasami, is still in custody after being arrested more than three months ago under anti-terrorist laws.

"Authorities have not made public their allegations against her, but deny that her detention is related to her journalism," CPJ said.