IFJ writes to President Rajapakse

A statement released after an Asia-Pacific regional meeting of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) accused the Sri Lankan authorities of inciting violence against those working in the media on the island.

It talked of the government having a dangerous disregard for the right of journalists to report freely.

The statement also called on the Tamil Tigers and other paramilitary groups to cease committing acts of violence against reporters.

Protect journalists

Protect the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka and uphold the rights of the media to report freely", IFJ statement said.

The IFJ points out that the recent actions by authorities indicate an irresponsible and dangerous disregard for the rights of journalists and media institutions to report freely and without threat of violence.

"Cases in point include recent public statements by Sri Lanka's Army Commander and Defence Secretary calling for media censorship, the judicial enforcement of criminal defamation and the prosecution of leading media institutions for 'critical reportage' ", IFJ said.

IFJ condemn in the strongest terms the disrespect and outright physical aggression shown by members of the Government and senior public officials toward journalists, media institutions and the right to freedom of speech.

Professional media has a duty and a responsibility to critique the central issues in Sri Lanka's war, to expose corruption and to unearth underlying interests of warring factions, it said in the statement.

"We condemn the prevailing culture of impunity in Sri Lanka, which is exemplified by acts of physical and verbal abuse perpetrated by senior authorities targeting the media", IFJ said.