Noting the recent attack on journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama's residence and the arrest of civil activist Shehan Malaka Gamage, former speaker Karu Jayasuriya siad that press freedom and civil liberties are under serious threat.
Former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director and retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara filed a Fundamental Rights petition with the Supreme Court on Friday (18) seeking an order to prevent his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (18) summoned journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara to record a statement regarding the complaint he had filed with the Commission.
Doubts have been raised regarding the Government's failure to prosecute former President Maithripala Sirisena and his officials for failing to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks.
Veteran journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrema is set to file an application at the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court tomorrow pertaining to his security.
Samarawickrema’s lawyer, President’s Counsel Kuvera de Zoysa told NewsWire that the application will be filed at the court to seek an order on his client’s security and protection.
President’s Counsel Kuvera de Zoysa further said the Police have filed a B report at the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court on the recent attack on Chamuditha’s house.
He said the Police will continue to present facts to the Kesbewa Magistrate’s court on the progress of the case.
Thereby, while the investigations are ongoing, an application will be filed at the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court to seek an order on Chamuditha Samarawickrema’s security and protection, de Zoysa added.
An unidentified group had attacked veteran journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama’s residence in Piliyandala on Monday morning (14).
The group of four men had arrived in a white coloured van wearing facemasks and had been carrying weapons.
They had reportedly entered the journalist’s housing complex after threatening the security official at the gate by holding a gun to his head.
The suspects had thereafter pelted stones at the journalist’s house, while they had also fired shots into the air prior to leaving.
Several Police teams have been deployed to conduct an investigation into the attack.
The United National Party (UNP) has decided to launch a nationwide membership drive from March 01 in order to attract new members and support for the party.
(PTI) - Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission (HRC) on February 16 called for the complete abolition of a controversial anti-terror law that gives police sweeping powers to arrest suspects without trial, amid mounting pressure from the Tamil and Muslim political parties over concerns it violates human rights.
The Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) amendment bill that was produced in Parliament to amend the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.