Death threats for two Sri Lankan journalists

October 27, 2009 at 10:28 PM

Freedom of expression is again under assault in Sri Lanka.  On October 22, two editors at the Sunday Leader (a Sri Lankan newspaper), Frederica Jansz and Munza Mushataq, received identical death threats in the mail, handwritten in red ink.  Ms. Jansz is the editor-in-chief and Ms. Mushataq is the news editor.  The threats relate to coverage by the paper of a video which allegedly showed Sri Lankan soldiers executing Tamil prisoners.

The paper’s founder and former editor-in-chief, Lasantha Wickrematunge, was killed last January after receiving a similar death threat three weeks earlier.  No one has yet been prosecuted for his murder.

Last month, Dileesha Abeysundera, who works for the Sinhala-language edition of the Sunday Leader, was threatened.  The newspaper has suffered numerous serious attacks on its staff and offices in the past. 

Over the past three years, numerous journalists have been detained in Sri Lanka while others have fled the country.  At least 14 media workers have been killed.  Investigations haven’t resulted in  prosecutions.  For more on this issue, see the AI report, “Sri Lanka:  Silencing dissent.”

Amnesty International has issued an urgent action appeal calling on the Sri Lankan government to ensure the safety of Frederica Jansz and Munza Mushataq, and to investigate the death threats received by them and the attacks on other Sri Lankan journalists and media workers.  Please take action in response to our appeal and write to President Mahinda Rajapaksa (email:  [email protected]).   Thanks for your help.

Post Views: 7,455

AIUSA welcomes a lively and courteous discussion that follow our Community Guidelines. Comments are not pre-screened before they post but AIUSA reserves the right to remove any comments violating our guidelines.

118 thoughts on “Death threats for two Sri Lankan journalists”

  1. From silva's post
    Sri Lanka:
    34 journalists and media workers killed during Rajapaksa brothers regime
    APRIL 2004 – MARCH 2O09

    2004

    1. Aiyathurai A. Nadesan – Journalist / 31 May

    2. Kandaswamy Aiyer Balanadaraj – Writer / 16 August

    3. Lanka Jayasundera – Photo journalist/ 11 December

    2005

    4. Dharmaratnam Sivaram – Editor / 28 April

    5. Kannamuttu Arsakumar – Media worker/ 29 June

    6. Relangee Selvarajah – Journalist / 12 August

    7. D. Selvaratnam – Media worker/ 29 August

    8. Yogakumar Krishnapillai – Media Worker / 30 September

    9. L. M. Faleel (Netpittimunai Faleel) – Writer / 02 December

    10. K. Navaratnam – Media worker/ 22 December

    2006

    11. Subramaniam Suhirtharajan – Journalist / 24 January

    12. S. T. Gananathan – Owner / 01 February

    13. Bastian George Sagayathas – Media worker / 03 May

    14. Rajaratnam Ranjith Kumar – Media worker / 03 May

    15. Sampath Lakmal de Silva – Journalist / 02 July

    16. Mariadasan Manojanraj – Media worker/ 01 August

    17. Pathmanathan Vismananthan – Singer and musician / 02 August

    18. Sathasivam Baskaran – Media worker / 15 August

    19. Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah – Media owner / 20 August

    2007

    20. S. Raveendran – Media worker / 12 February

    21. Subramaniam Ramachandran – Media personnel / 15 February

    22. Chandrabose Suthakar – Journalist / 16 April

    23. Selvarasah Rajeevarman – Journalist / 29 April

    24. Sahadevan Neelakshan – Journalist / 01 August

    25. Anthonypillai Sherin Siththiranjan – Media worker/ 05 November

    26. Vadivel Nimalarajah – Media worker/ 17 November

    27. Isaivizhi Chempian (Subhajini) – Media worker/ 27 November

    28. Suresh Limbiyo – Media worker/ 27 November

    29. T. Tharmalingam – Media worker/ 27 November

    2008

    30. Paranirupesingham Devakumar – Journalist / 28 May

    31. Rashmi Mohamad – Journalist / 06 October

    2009

    32. Lasanntha Wickrematunge – Editor / 08 January

    33. Punniyamurthy Sathyamurthy – Journalist / 12 February

    34. Sasi Mathan – Media worker/ 06 March

    media is dead in sri lanka
    http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=3…

    many reporters were deported

    Journalist disappearances: Lanka 'among worst' http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/08/0…

  2. From silva's post
    Sri Lanka:
    34 journalists and media workers killed during Rajapaksa brothers regime
    APRIL 2004 – MARCH 2O09

    2004

    1. Aiyathurai A. Nadesan – Journalist / 31 May

    2. Kandaswamy Aiyer Balanadaraj – Writer / 16 August

    3. Lanka Jayasundera – Photo journalist/ 11 December

    2005

    4. Dharmaratnam Sivaram – Editor / 28 April

    5. Kannamuttu Arsakumar – Media worker/ 29 June

    6. Relangee Selvarajah – Journalist / 12 August

    7. D. Selvaratnam – Media worker/ 29 August

    8. Yogakumar Krishnapillai – Media Worker / 30 September

    9. L. M. Faleel (Netpittimunai Faleel) – Writer / 02 December

    10. K. Navaratnam – Media worker/ 22 December

    2006

    11. Subramaniam Suhirtharajan – Journalist / 24 January

    12. S. T. Gananathan – Owner / 01 February

    13. Bastian George Sagayathas – Media worker / 03 May

    14. Rajaratnam Ranjith Kumar – Media worker / 03 May

    15. Sampath Lakmal de Silva – Journalist / 02 July

    16. Mariadasan Manojanraj – Media worker/ 01 August

    17. Pathmanathan Vismananthan – Singer and musician / 02 August

    18. Sathasivam Baskaran – Media worker / 15 August

    19. Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah – Media owner / 20 August

    2007

    20. S. Raveendran – Media worker / 12 February

    21. Subramaniam Ramachandran – Media personnel / 15 February

    22. Chandrabose Suthakar – Journalist / 16 April

    23. Selvarasah Rajeevarman – Journalist / 29 April

    24. Sahadevan Neelakshan – Journalist / 01 August

    25. Anthonypillai Sherin Siththiranjan – Media worker/ 05 November

    26. Vadivel Nimalarajah – Media worker/ 17 November

    27. Isaivizhi Chempian (Subhajini) – Media worker/ 27 November

    28. Suresh Limbiyo – Media worker/ 27 November

    29. T. Tharmalingam – Media worker/ 27 November

    2008

    30. Paranirupesingham Devakumar – Journalist / 28 May

    31. Rashmi Mohamad – Journalist / 06 October

    2009

    32. Lasanntha Wickrematunge – Editor / 08 January

    33. Punniyamurthy Sathyamurthy – Journalist / 12 February

    34. Sasi Mathan – Media worker/ 06 March

    media is dead in sri lanka
    http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=3…

    many reporters were deported

    Journalist disappearances: Lanka 'among worst' http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/08/0…

  3. From silva's post
    Sri Lanka:
    34 journalists and media workers killed during Rajapaksa brothers regime
    APRIL 2004 – MARCH 2O09

    2004

    1. Aiyathurai A. Nadesan – Journalist / 31 May

    2. Kandaswamy Aiyer Balanadaraj – Writer / 16 August

    3. Lanka Jayasundera – Photo journalist/ 11 December

    2005

    4. Dharmaratnam Sivaram – Editor / 28 April

    5. Kannamuttu Arsakumar – Media worker/ 29 June

    6. Relangee Selvarajah – Journalist / 12 August

    7. D. Selvaratnam – Media worker/ 29 August

    8. Yogakumar Krishnapillai – Media Worker / 30 September

    9. L. M. Faleel (Netpittimunai Faleel) – Writer / 02 December

    10. K. Navaratnam – Media worker/ 22 December

    2006

    11. Subramaniam Suhirtharajan – Journalist / 24 January

    12. S. T. Gananathan – Owner / 01 February

    13. Bastian George Sagayathas – Media worker / 03 May

    14. Rajaratnam Ranjith Kumar – Media worker / 03 May

    15. Sampath Lakmal de Silva – Journalist / 02 July

    16. Mariadasan Manojanraj – Media worker/ 01 August

    17. Pathmanathan Vismananthan – Singer and musician / 02 August

    18. Sathasivam Baskaran – Media worker / 15 August

    19. Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah – Media owner / 20 August

    2007

    20. S. Raveendran – Media worker / 12 February

    21. Subramaniam Ramachandran – Media personnel / 15 February

    22. Chandrabose Suthakar – Journalist / 16 April

    23. Selvarasah Rajeevarman – Journalist / 29 April

    24. Sahadevan Neelakshan – Journalist / 01 August

    25. Anthonypillai Sherin Siththiranjan – Media worker/ 05 November

    26. Vadivel Nimalarajah – Media worker/ 17 November

    27. Isaivizhi Chempian (Subhajini) – Media worker/ 27 November

    28. Suresh Limbiyo – Media worker/ 27 November

    29. T. Tharmalingam – Media worker/ 27 November

    2008

    30. Paranirupesingham Devakumar – Journalist / 28 May

    31. Rashmi Mohamad – Journalist / 06 October

    2009

    32. Lasanntha Wickrematunge – Editor / 08 January

    33. Punniyamurthy Sathyamurthy – Journalist / 12 February

    34. Sasi Mathan – Media worker/ 06 March

    media is dead in sri lanka
    http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=3…

    many reporters were deported

    Journalist disappearances: Lanka 'among worst' http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/08/0…

  4. To Jim McDonald:

    How can you write to the Prez when it is his Highness who is issuing the death threats and ordering the killings?

  5. lasantha wickrematunge was a vicious backmailer ( one of his victims in this line set herself on fire in protest , google for evidence , where was amnesty international then?) and a dirty corrupt politician taking an active part in back room political intrigues of united national party ( again well documented and self confessed , -where was amnesty then to protest undermining of democracy ) , and not a journalist .

    by all means mourn him as a politician and political opponent of current sl government , but to call him a journalist is an insult to real journalists.

    for the record, leader newspaper which has a very small and falling circulation has a habit of making up stories to drive it up.. i wouldn't be surprised if the latest so called "threats" turn out to be their own work.
    –

    i know this blog and vile racist( bc he has equated tamils with ltte terrorists in past here) jim mcdonald, are not very concerned about substantiated facts, and have a marked preference for accepting propaganda of tamil tiger terrorist murderers at face value, and so cater primarily to ppl like "stop crime against humanity" above.
    but in case anyone who wants truth drop by here, rajapakse get elected as president in december 2005 not 2004, some of the ppl mentioned above were killed by tamil tiger murderers ( during a ceasefire no less) , some were killed when tiger murderers' illegal propaganda station was bombed, or during other such legal military actions, and we don't know who killed 2 or 3 not covered by that.
    btw did/does amnesty international accept sri lankans' right to fight and defeat a gang of armed criminals called tamil tigers using violence ? why have ai not supported sri lankans efforts to defeat the tigers criminals violating their rights ? do explain the strange silence on this
    –
    will i be "disliked"( in clearly organized way as anyone can see ) and censored as happened to me and others here in the past bc i challenge their statements based on easily accessible facts ?
    will i be banned bc i call someone "racist" , or murderers "murderers"based on facts? while other are not banned but "liked" bc they accuse sri lankans of war crimes and murders without a shred of evidence ?

    will amnesty international ever dare to stand up for freedom of expression for all ? so far in this blog freedom of expression is enjoyed only by supporters of terrorist murderers and racists . all others are censored

  6. From silva’s post
    Sri Lanka:
    34 journalists and media workers killed during Rajapaksa brothers regime
    APRIL 2004 – MARCH 2O09

    2004

    1. Aiyathurai A. Nadesan – Journalist / 31 May

    2. Kandaswamy Aiyer Balanadaraj – Writer / 16 August

    3. Lanka Jayasundera – Photo journalist/ 11 December

    2005

    4. Dharmaratnam Sivaram – Editor / 28 April

    5. Kannamuttu Arsakumar – Media worker/ 29 June

    6. Relangee Selvarajah – Journalist / 12 August

    7. D. Selvaratnam – Media worker/ 29 August

    8. Yogakumar Krishnapillai – Media Worker / 30 September

    9. L. M. Faleel (Netpittimunai Faleel) – Writer / 02 December

    10. K. Navaratnam – Media worker/ 22 December

    2006

    11. Subramaniam Suhirtharajan – Journalist / 24 January

    12. S. T. Gananathan – Owner / 01 February

    13. Bastian George Sagayathas – Media worker / 03 May

    14. Rajaratnam Ranjith Kumar – Media worker / 03 May

    15. Sampath Lakmal de Silva – Journalist / 02 July

    16. Mariadasan Manojanraj – Media worker/ 01 August

    17. Pathmanathan Vismananthan – Singer and musician / 02 August

    18. Sathasivam Baskaran – Media worker / 15 August

    19. Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah – Media owner / 20 August

    2007

    20. S. Raveendran – Media worker / 12 February

    21. Subramaniam Ramachandran – Media personnel / 15 February

    22. Chandrabose Suthakar – Journalist / 16 April

    23. Selvarasah Rajeevarman – Journalist / 29 April

    24. Sahadevan Neelakshan – Journalist / 01 August

    25. Anthonypillai Sherin Siththiranjan – Media worker/ 05 November

    26. Vadivel Nimalarajah – Media worker/ 17 November

    27. Isaivizhi Chempian (Subhajini) – Media worker/ 27 November

    28. Suresh Limbiyo – Media worker/ 27 November

    29. T. Tharmalingam – Media worker/ 27 November

    2008

    30. Paranirupesingham Devakumar – Journalist / 28 May

    31. Rashmi Mohamad – Journalist / 06 October

    2009

    32. Lasanntha Wickrematunge – Editor / 08 January

    33. Punniyamurthy Sathyamurthy – Journalist / 12 February

    34. Sasi Mathan – Media worker/ 06 March

    media is dead in sri lanka

    http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=30517

    many reporters were deported

    Journalist disappearances: Lanka ‘among worst’
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/08/090830_rsf_disappearances.shtml

  7. To Jim McDonald:

    How can you write to the Prez when it is his Highness who is issuing the death threats and ordering the killings?

  8. lasantha wickrematunge was a vicious backmailer ( one of his victims in this line set herself on fire in protest , google for evidence , where was amnesty international then?) and a dirty corrupt politician taking an active part in back room political intrigues of united national party ( again well documented and self confessed , -where was amnesty then to protest undermining of democracy ) , and not a journalist .

    by all means mourn him as a politician and political opponent of current sl government , but to call him a journalist is an insult to real journalists.

    for the record, leader newspaper which has a very small and falling circulation has a habit of making up stories to drive it up.. i wouldn’t be surprised if the latest so called “threats” turn out to be their own work.
    –

    i know this blog and vile racist( bc he has equated tamils with ltte terrorists in past here) jim mcdonald, are not very concerned about substantiated facts, and have a marked preference for accepting propaganda of tamil tiger terrorist murderers at face value, and so cater primarily to ppl like “stop crime against humanity” above.
    but in case anyone who wants truth drop by here, rajapakse get elected as president in december 2005 not 2004, some of the ppl mentioned above were killed by tamil tiger murderers ( during a ceasefire no less) , some were killed when tiger murderers’ illegal propaganda station was bombed, or during other such legal military actions, and we don’t know who killed 2 or 3 not covered by that.
    btw did/does amnesty international accept sri lankans’ right to fight and defeat a gang of armed criminals called tamil tigers using violence ? why have ai not supported sri lankans efforts to defeat the tigers criminals violating their rights ? do explain the strange silence on this
    –
    will i be “disliked”( in clearly organized way as anyone can see ) and censored as happened to me and others here in the past bc i challenge their statements based on easily accessible facts ?
    will i be banned bc i call someone “racist” , or murderers “murderers”based on facts? while other are not banned but “liked” bc they accuse sri lankans of war crimes and murders without a shred of evidence ?

    will amnesty international ever dare to stand up for freedom of expression for all ? so far in this blog freedom of expression is enjoyed only by supporters of terrorist murderers and racists . all others are censored

  9. There is something fishy about the claims by this jansz and this other person. Who they are even? what they do? Why would government threaten. Sunday leader newspaper now not read by anyone after all good journalists left. Some unknown people like to make a big fuss to get recognised.

  13. To foreign journalists and to amnesty international
    please do your homework. don't be fooled by nobodies like this munsa and frederica who exploit Lasantha Wickrematunge's name to boost themselves and to get some foreign publicity. think of the real threats to real journalists and focus on the poor tamils still in internment camps. Before going further read the paper, check your facts

  14. There is something fishy about the claims by this jansz and this other person. Who they are even? what they do? Why would government threaten. Sunday leader newspaper now not read by anyone after all good journalists left. Some unknown people like to make a big fuss to get recognised.

  16. You are all a big "f*** you" to Sri Lankan journalists and AIUSA and never care about them at all! You think death threats are okay and always support torture, war, and death like the Pilates and Pharisees' supporters do! Next, you're gonna say that you're gonna force AIUSA and the world to submit to what you think are your true human rights when it's truly your reign of terror! You know what, I don't care about what you say, I'm just gonna ignore your insults at AIUSA and I will continue to fight for human rights that you never care about! Good day! 👿

  17. To foreign journalists and to amnesty international
    please do your homework. don’t be fooled by nobodies like this munsa and frederica who exploit Lasantha Wickrematunge’s name to boost themselves and to get some foreign publicity. think of the real threats to real journalists and focus on the poor tamils still in internment camps. Before going further read the paper, check your facts

  18. Dear Debbie,

    Always love to see your passionate loathing of all hypocritical Sadducees & Pharisees, though they may not always recognise themselves in your mirror !

    Stop Crime Against Humanity,

    That's a formidable & sobering list you've compiled. A list that induces outrage & sorrow in equal parts. An earnest gratitude to you.

  19. In response to Humanitarian's comment above, AI hasn't accused the Sri Lankan government of being behind these death threats. We think the government could prove their commitment to freedom of expression and human rights by investigating these threats and taking the appropriate steps to protect these journalists.

    In response to hercules' comment above, I think the answers to your questions are in the original post, so I'm not sure what exactly you're asking.

    In response to Debbie Kearns' comment, I'd ask that you review the Terms of Use for this site. Please refrain from future cursing or swearing.

    In response to the comment from sittingnut above, please review the Terms of Use for this site and refrain from personal attacks. Some of your rhetorical questions are answered by virtue of your comment still being there. This forum is intended for reasoned, thoughtful discussion of the issues raised by the original post. Issues covered by other posts (for instance, the conduct of war by both sides) should be discussed there and not here. One factual point: I believe President Rajapaksa was elected in November 2005, not December, but I agree with you that he was not elected in 2004. Prior to his election as President, he was Prime Minister under President Kumaratunga, I believe.

  20. You are all a big “f*** you” to Sri Lankan journalists and AIUSA and never care about them at all! You think death threats are okay and always support torture, war, and death like the Pilates and Pharisees’ supporters do! Next, you’re gonna say that you’re gonna force AIUSA and the world to submit to what you think are your true human rights when it’s truly your reign of terror! You know what, I don’t care about what you say, I’m just gonna ignore your insults at AIUSA and I will continue to fight for human rights that you never care about! Good day! 👿

  21. In response to Humanitarian’s comment above, AI hasn’t accused the Sri Lankan government of being behind these death threats.

    No one can be pronounced guilty until proven so. Agree but Lasantha himself has indicated the hand of the government and MR in particular beyond any degree of doubt in his posthumous editorial.

  22. Dear Debbie,

    Always love to see your passionate loathing of all hypocritical Sadducees & Pharisees, though they may not always recognise themselves in your mirror !

    Stop Crime Against Humanity,

    That’s a formidable & sobering list you’ve compiled. A list that induces outrage & sorrow in equal parts. An earnest gratitude to you.

  23. In response to Humanitarian’s comment above, AI hasn’t accused the Sri Lankan government of being behind these death threats. We think the government could prove their commitment to freedom of expression and human rights by investigating these threats and taking the appropriate steps to protect these journalists.

    In response to hercules’ comment above, I think the answers to your questions are in the original post, so I’m not sure what exactly you’re asking.

    In response to Debbie Kearns’ comment, I’d ask that you review the Terms of Use for this site. Please refrain from future cursing or swearing.

    In response to the comment from sittingnut above, please review the Terms of Use for this site and refrain from personal attacks. Some of your rhetorical questions are answered by virtue of your comment still being there. This forum is intended for reasoned, thoughtful discussion of the issues raised by the original post. Issues covered by other posts (for instance, the conduct of war by both sides) should be discussed there and not here. One factual point: I believe President Rajapaksa was elected in November 2005, not December, but I agree with you that he was not elected in 2004. Prior to his election as President, he was Prime Minister under President Kumaratunga, I believe.

  24. In response to Humanitarian’s comment above, AI hasn’t accused the Sri Lankan government of being behind these death threats.

    No one can be pronounced guilty until proven so. Agree but Lasantha himself has indicated the hand of the government and MR in particular beyond any degree of doubt in his posthumous editorial.

  25. Further in response to sittingnut's comment above, I deny the allegations made about me in the comment. They are baseless, false and unwarranted. Just in case anyone was wondering.

  27. Thank you, Jim McDonald. And I'm sorry for swearing, but I couldn't use explicit words for swearing in that matter. I will refrain from swearing from now on, okay?

  30. Further in response to sittingnut’s comment above, I deny the allegations made about me in the comment. They are baseless, false and unwarranted. Just in case anyone was wondering.

  31. Thank you, Jim McDonald. And I’m sorry for swearing, but I couldn’t use explicit words for swearing in that matter. I will refrain from swearing from now on, okay?

  41. *Yaawwwnn*

    Alllo People,

    Indeed press freedom should be there in any country. I mean, how else would people know what is happening around ha ? They always don't check the paper or Listen to radio nor watch TV only to refer to the Cartoon.

    But, looking at the whole matter from a cat's point of view, do Journalists practice what they call RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM ??

    I wouldn't recommend journalists leaking government information to the public. Might as well draw some cartoons.

    By the way, I see that people in this forum as Censorship are taking the maximum opportunity on this site to forward links that are not relevant to the subject matter. Might as well post some cartoons yah?

  45. *Yaawwwnn*

    Alllo People,

    Indeed press freedom should be there in any country. I mean, how else would people know what is happening around ha ? They always don’t check the paper or Listen to radio nor watch TV only to refer to the Cartoon.

    But, looking at the whole matter from a cat’s point of view, do Journalists practice what they call RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM ??

    I wouldn’t recommend journalists leaking government information to the public. Might as well draw some cartoons.

    By the way, I see that people in this forum as Censorship are taking the maximum opportunity on this site to forward links that are not relevant to the subject matter. Might as well post some cartoons yah?

  54. In response to a couple of the comments above, please keep to the topic raised by the original post and don't abuse the opportunity to comment. This forum is intended for reasoned, thoughtful discussion of the issues raised by the initial post to the site, and not to promote articles relating to other topics.

  55. Read the following news – This is terrible. Death to freedom of expression in SL democracy. I think it is time for the world to label the country undemocratic and impose sanctions. Not sure why the world is waiting.

    Youth arrested over web comments on the President http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNew…

    I wonder what Mr.Mango and Jimmy Pappas would have to say on this.
    No wonder they support the heinous crimes of their president – they may also support this move obviously they fear for their lives.

  57. Read the following news – This is terrible. Death to freedom of expression in SL democracy. I think it is time for the world to label the country undemocratic and impose sanctions. Not sure why the world is waiting.

    Youth arrested over web comments on the President http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNew…

    I wonder what Mr.Mango and Jimmy Pappas would have to say on this.
    No wonder they support the heinous crimes of their president – they may also support this move obviously they fear for their lives.

  58. Read the following news – This is terrible. Death to freedom of expression in SL democracy. I think it is time for the world to label the country undemocratic and impose sanctions. Not sure why the world is waiting.

    Youth arrested over web comments on the President http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNew…

    I wonder what Mr.Mango and Jimmy Pappas would have to say on this.
    No wonder they support the heinous crimes of their president – they may also support this move obviously they fear for their lives.

  59. In response to a couple of the comments above, please keep to the topic raised by the original post and don’t abuse the opportunity to comment. This forum is intended for reasoned, thoughtful discussion of the issues raised by the initial post to the site, and not to promote articles relating to other topics.

  60. Read the following news – This is terrible. Death to freedom of expression in SL democracy. I think it is time for the world to label the country undemocratic and impose sanctions. Not sure why the world is waiting.

    Youth arrested over web comments on the President
    http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=66482

    I wonder what Mr.Mango and Jimmy Pappas would have to say on this.
    No wonder they support the heinous crimes of their president – they may also support this move obviously they fear for their lives.

  61. There's a simple reasons for my lack of response on this and other topics of interest. I've been censored by AI for unspecified 'offences'. They, rather like LTTE supporters, probably found it too awkward to hear counter-arguments to the standard HR mantra.

    Anyway, regarding this appalling crime, its a disgusting and vile crime. Everyone involved should be punished to the maximum allowed by Law. The victim's ethnicity is completely irrelevant and your focus on it only betrays an ethnically minded thinking. But that's not suprising.

    You'll also recall the recent case of two youths being murdered in Angulana and the subsequent attack on the police station. The SL Police needs to be completely overhauled and the effects of 30+ yrs of LTTE inspired terrorism cleansed from their internal practices.

    Finally, for sustained police brutality against a civilian population, I suggest you look at Brazil. Not the land of thongs and samba, but one where the Police simply murder homeless children in an attempt to reduce street crime. It seems that "Last year [2008], according to government statistics, 492 street kids were murdered in Brazil, many of them gruesomely mutilated."
    http://tinyurl.com/d7s8dw
    http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN152…

    You'd better get your skates on and get to Brazil to show your Humanitarian Humanness. So many HR abuses and such little time, no?

  62. There's a simple reasons for my lack of response on this and other topics of interest. I've been censored by AI for unspecified 'offences'. They, rather like LTTE supporters, probably found it too awkward to hear counter-arguments to the standard HR mantra.

    Anyway, regarding this appalling crime, its a disgusting and vile crime. Everyone involved should be punished to the maximum allowed by Law. The victim's ethnicity is completely irrelevant and your focus on it only betrays an ethnically minded thinking. But that's not suprising.

    You'll also recall the recent case of two youths being murdered in Angulana and the subsequent attack on the police station. The SL Police needs to be completely overhauled and the effects of 30+ yrs of LTTE inspired terrorism cleansed from their internal practices.

    Finally, for sustained police brutality against a civilian population, I suggest you look at Brazil. Not the land of thongs and samba, but one where the Police simply murder homeless children in an attempt to reduce street crime. It seems that "Last year [2008], according to government statistics, 492 street kids were murdered in Brazil, many of them gruesomely mutilated."
    http://tinyurl.com/d7s8dw
    http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN152…

    You'd better get your skates on and get to Brazil to show your Humanitarian Humanness. So many HR abuses and such little time, no?

  63. There's a simple reasons for my lack of response on this and other topics of interest. I've been censored by AI for unspecified 'offences'. They, rather like LTTE supporters, probably found it too awkward to hear counter-arguments to the standard HR mantra.

    Anyway, regarding this appalling crime, its a disgusting and vile crime. Everyone involved should be punished to the maximum allowed by Law. The victim's ethnicity is completely irrelevant and your focus on it only betrays an ethnically minded thinking. But that's not suprising.

    You'll also recall the recent case of two youths being murdered in Angulana and the subsequent attack on the police station. The SL Police needs to be completely overhauled and the effects of 30+ yrs of LTTE inspired terrorism cleansed from their internal practices.

    Finally, for sustained police brutality against a civilian population, I suggest you look at Brazil. Not the land of thongs and samba, but one where the Police simply murder homeless children in an attempt to reduce street crime. It seems that "Last year [2008], according to government statistics, 492 street kids were murdered in Brazil, many of them gruesomely mutilated."
    http://tinyurl.com/d7s8dw
    http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN152…

    You'd better get your skates on and get to Brazil to show your Humanitarian Humanness. So many HR abuses and such little time, no?

  64. There’s a simple reasons for my lack of response on this and other topics of interest. I’ve been censored by AI for unspecified ‘offences’. They, rather like LTTE supporters, probably found it too awkward to hear counter-arguments to the standard HR mantra.

    Anyway, regarding this appalling crime, its a disgusting and vile crime. Everyone involved should be punished to the maximum allowed by Law. The victim’s ethnicity is completely irrelevant and your focus on it only betrays an ethnically minded thinking. But that’s not suprising.

    You’ll also recall the recent case of two youths being murdered in Angulana and the subsequent attack on the police station. The SL Police needs to be completely overhauled and the effects of 30+ yrs of LTTE inspired terrorism cleansed from their internal practices.

    Finally, for sustained police brutality against a civilian population, I suggest you look at Brazil. Not the land of thongs and samba, but one where the Police simply murder homeless children in an attempt to reduce street crime. It seems that “Last year [2008], according to government statistics, 492 street kids were murdered in Brazil, many of them gruesomely mutilated.”

    http://tinyurl.com/d7s8dw

    http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1528470720080915

    You’d better get your skates on and get to Brazil to show your Humanitarian Humanness. So many HR abuses and such little time, no?

  65. Human,

    I agree with you on this. freedom of expression should definitely not be hampered and anyone should be able to talk against the government is they wish to. In that sense I think they should arrest Ranil W first :)..

    I am not sure as to why this youth was arrested – it is that he has used foul language or lied about the president and the Defense Secretary ? I don't know about it. But if it is that they have just arrested the youth for being negative about the government – not done at all…

    See dude, I am not a supporter of this or any government for a matter of fact – not much in to the subject of Politics. I am with the government in these columns only regarding one issue – I.e. One land one nation, hence, the elimination of the Barbarian LTTE, hence, necessity of having camps. In that sense, I would argue against any force that would say else wise as I feel that they have different motives..

  66. Human,

    I agree with you on this. freedom of expression should definitely not be hampered and anyone should be able to talk against the government is they wish to. In that sense I think they should arrest Ranil W first :)..

    I am not sure as to why this youth was arrested – it is that he has used foul language or lied about the president and the Defense Secretary ? I don’t know about it. But if it is that they have just arrested the youth for being negative about the government – not done at all…

    See dude, I am not a supporter of this or any government for a matter of fact – not much in to the subject of Politics. I am with the government in these columns only regarding one issue – I.e. One land one nation, hence, the elimination of the Barbarian LTTE, hence, necessity of having camps. In that sense, I would argue against any force that would say else wise as I feel that they have different motives..

  67. Mango !!!!!

    I was missing you man………….

    Good to hear from you, and good points as always… !!

    I would like to know if AI has a site like this dedicated to the crimes carried out in Brazil. Please let us know – I would like to put my 2 cents there too 🙂 🙂 🙂 !!

  68. Mango !!!!!

    I was missing you man………….

    Good to hear from you, and good points as always… !!

    I would like to know if AI has a site like this dedicated to the crimes carried out in Brazil. Please let us know – I would like to put my 2 cents there too 🙂 🙂 🙂 !!

  77. Mango,

    Back to your usual tricks – pointing at others – now comparing with Brazil? Will you ever accept the blatant crimes committed by your honorable prez and his government?

    Ideally if I were in your country I would be really ashamed – it massacres thirty thousand people in a war without witness and has the audacity to kill a mentally ill Tamil in front of the whole humanity watching it – you still speak and defend your government! Shame on you!

    I am not ethnic minded like you – why was it not a surprise that it was a Tamil – as you know the news about his ethnicity emerged slowly but I think even a child in SL could guess it was going to be a Tamil.

  78. Jim – link is not working.

    Human !!

    Ideally if I were in your country I would be really ashamed – it massacres thirty thousand people in a war without witness and has the audacity to kill a mentally ill Tamil in front of the whole humanity watching it – you still speak and defend your government! Shame on you!

    Let me ask you something on the same note since Mango is having limited access !!!!

    Are you not ashamed to be a Tamil after all the LTTE killed Hundred's of Thousands in the name of TAMILS ??

    At least the government Killed the LTTE saying it is to save all Ethnic Groups…

    And for the 100th time, the Mentally Ill Tamil Youth was killed by a Mentally Ill Policeman. If you can't understand that, you have a serious Mental Problem and needs serious checking 😀

    I am sorry that I had to use the word "Tamil" as I don't believe in using specific names pointing out Ethnic groups. But, since you are adamant on using them, I have no choice but to point out that due to the very reason, I see you being a racist and ethnic minded though you try quickly to point fingers at others.

    NOW – You guys sound real desperate… You really need to look back and see whether this unwarranted effort is worth it… Your efforts will only lead to blood shed and you guys not getting anything anywhere…

  79. Mango,

    Back to your usual tricks – pointing at others – now comparing with Brazil? Will you ever accept the blatant crimes committed by your honorable prez and his government?

    Ideally if I were in your country I would be really ashamed – it massacres thirty thousand people in a war without witness and has the audacity to kill a mentally ill Tamil in front of the whole humanity watching it – you still speak and defend your government! Shame on you!

    I am not ethnic minded like you – why was it not a surprise that it was a Tamil – as you know the news about his ethnicity emerged slowly but I think even a child in SL could guess it was going to be a Tamil.

  80. Jim – link is not working.

    Human !!

    Ideally if I were in your country I would be really ashamed – it massacres thirty thousand people in a war without witness and has the audacity to kill a mentally ill Tamil in front of the whole humanity watching it – you still speak and defend your government! Shame on you!

    Let me ask you something on the same note since Mango is having limited access !!!!

    Are you not ashamed to be a Tamil after all the LTTE killed Hundred’s of Thousands in the name of TAMILS ??

    At least the government Killed the LTTE saying it is to save all Ethnic Groups…

    And for the 100th time, the Mentally Ill Tamil Youth was killed by a Mentally Ill Policeman. If you can’t understand that, you have a serious Mental Problem and needs serious checking 😀

    I am sorry that I had to use the word “Tamil” as I don’t believe in using specific names pointing out Ethnic groups. But, since you are adamant on using them, I have no choice but to point out that due to the very reason, I see you being a racist and ethnic minded though you try quickly to point fingers at others.

    NOW – You guys sound real desperate… You really need to look back and see whether this unwarranted effort is worth it… Your efforts will only lead to blood shed and you guys not getting anything anywhere…

  89. Yepheeee !!!! 😀 😀 😀

    See Jim, this is exactly what My self and Mango have been trying to spell out all this time. Indeed good news that they were released… If no one has done a crime, they will be released as the Judiciary is independent. So why shout out when people are taken in for questioning ? It is required given the situation – we can't let any LTTE guy escape by any means – that would be danger to you and for me and the entire human race 😀 !!

    Let peace prevail in SL and let Justice prevail in SL…

    Let the Murderous Terrorist rot in Hell !!

    Not asking for too much here am I (on Behalf of the world) ??

    Again – I would add another bit of good news – that Minister in-charge of resettlement recently confirmed that 50% of the IDP's have been returned to their houses – Goon News ??

  90. Yepheeee !!!! 😀 😀 😀

    See Jim, this is exactly what My self and Mango have been trying to spell out all this time. Indeed good news that they were released… If no one has done a crime, they will be released as the Judiciary is independent. So why shout out when people are taken in for questioning ? It is required given the situation – we can’t let any LTTE guy escape by any means – that would be danger to you and for me and the entire human race 😀 !!

    Let peace prevail in SL and let Justice prevail in SL…

    Let the Murderous Terrorist rot in Hell !!

    Not asking for too much here am I (on Behalf of the world) ??

    Again – I would add another bit of good news – that Minister in-charge of resettlement recently confirmed that 50% of the IDP’s have been returned to their houses – Goon News ??

  99. I'll repeat what I've said before elsewhere: the opportunity to comment is intended for reasoned, thoughtful discussion of the issues raised in the original post. Please don't abuse the opportunity to comment in order to just publicize other articles.

  100. I’ll repeat what I’ve said before elsewhere: the opportunity to comment is intended for reasoned, thoughtful discussion of the issues raised in the original post. Please don’t abuse the opportunity to comment in order to just publicize other articles.

Comments are closed.