20 April, 2024

Blog

WikiLeaks: Athas Fears Retaliation For Critical Articles On Gota’s MiG Deal

“Defense Correspondent Iqbal Athas is preparing to temporarily leave Sri Lanka with his family following a barrage of threats and intimidation apparently orchestrated by the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL). On August 12, he wrote an article for the Sunday Times about the Ukrainian Government’s inquiry into ‘irregularities’ in the sale of four MIG-27 aircraft to Sri Lanka. On August 14, a Sinhala version of the article was published in a local paper. The next day, the government withdrew Athas’s security detail. Since then, demonstrators have gathered to protest in front of his house, a man claiming to be a retired Air Force officer threatened to kill his translator, and he has received warnings that he may be kidnapped and questioned about his sources. Athas’s situation has received extensive coverage in both local and international media. One of Athas’s employers, CNN, and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have championed his case. Ambassador Blake telephoned the Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on August 24 and told him that it would be bad for Sri Lanka if anything were to happen to Athas. Embassy believes the widespread publicity this case has received, and its own efforts, will give some measure of protection to Athas and his family. Post will continue to keep in close touch with Athas and intervene further if required.” the US Embassy Colombo informed Washington.

Athas

Athas

The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeaks database dated August 30, 2007. The cable is classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” and written by the US Ambassador to Colombo Robert O. Blake

The ambassador wrote; “Defense Correspondent Iqbal Athas is preparing to temporarily leave Sri Lanka with his family following a barrage of threats and intimidation from the GSL. Athas writes regularly for the Sunday Times, a local English-language newspaper, and also frequently contributes to CNN, Jane’s Defense Weekly and the Times of London. On August 12, he wrote an article for the Sunday Times about the Ukrainian Government’s inquiry into “irregularities” in the sale of four MIG-27 aircraft to Sri Lanka. In his article, he noted that the third-party facilitating company, Bellimissa Holdings, seemed to exist only on paper, while the GSL claimed the deal was handled directly between the two states. Athas published extensive details on the transaction, even reprinting the letter of credit issued by a GSL-owned bank for the planes.”

Ambassador Blake telephoned Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on August 24 and told him the U.S. was concerned about Athas’s safety and that it would be bad for Sri Lanka if anything were to happen to such a prominent columnist.

“Gothabaya said ‘Iqbal should not worry… there should not be any problem at all.’ He noted that other journalists had written more damning articles and survived.” Blake further wrote.

Placing a comment ambassador Blake wrote; “The GSL’s proffered explanation for the withdrawal of Athas’s security — that it was done after a routine assessment showed no further threat to him — will not bear scrutiny. Clearly the articles have struck a raw nerve. The Government is particularly sensitive to criticism in the Sinhala papers popular among its nationalist support base. Embassy believes that international interventions, coupled with the glare of publicity surrounding the case, will likely afford Athas and his family some measure of protection. Athas is a long-time Embassy contact. We have been in continuous touch with Athas since his situation became precarious and are prepared to intervene again on an urgent basis if required.”

Read the cable below for further details;

VZCZCXRO4412
OO RUEHBI RUEHLMC
DE RUEHLM #1187/01 2421231
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 301231Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY COLOMBO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6694
INFO RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN PRIORITY 0526
RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA PRIORITY 0371
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 7357
RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU PRIORITY 5472
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 3988
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 1299
RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO PRIORITY 4057
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 3143
RUEHCG/AMCONSUL CHENNAI PRIORITY 7950
RUEHBI/AMCONSUL MUMBAI PRIORITY 5596
RUEHON/AMCONSUL TORONTO PRIORITY 0379
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 2284
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY
RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION PRIORITY
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001187

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS
MCC FOR D NASSIRY AND E BURKE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: DEFENSE CORRESPONDENT FEARS RETALIATION
FOR CRITICAL ARTICLES ON MIG DEAL

REF: EMBASSY COLOMBO E-MAILS TO SCA/INS (NOTAL)

¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Defense Correspondent Iqbal Athas is
preparing to temporarily leave Sri Lanka with his family
following a barrage of threats and intimidation apparently
orchestrated by the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL). On August
12, he wrote an article for the Sunday Times about the
Ukrainian Government’s inquiry into “irregularities” in the
sale of four MIG-27 aircraft to Sri Lanka. On August 14, a
Sinhala version of the article was published in a local
paper. The next day, the government withdrew Athas’s
security detail. Since then, demonstrators have gathered to
protest in front of his house, a man claiming to be a retired
Air Force officer threatened to kill his translator, and he
has received warnings that he may be kidnapped and questioned
about his sources. Athas’s situation has received extensive
coverage in both local and international media. One of
Athas’s employers, CNN, and the Committee to Protect
Journalists (CPJ) have championed his case. Ambassador Blake
telephoned the Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa on
August 24 and told him that it would be bad for Sri Lanka if
anything were to happen to Athas. Embassy believes the
widespread publicity this case has received, and its own
efforts, will give some measure of protection to Athas and
his family. Post will continue to keep in close touch with
Athas and intervene further if required. End Summary.

¶2. (U) Defense Correspondent Iqbal Athas is preparing to
temporarily leave Sri Lanka with his family following a
barrage of threats and intimidation from the GSL. Athas
writes regularly for the Sunday Times, a local
English-language newspaper, and also frequently contributes
to CNN, Jane’s Defense Weekly and the Times of London. On
August 12, he wrote an article for the Sunday Times about the
Ukrainian Government’s inquiry into “irregularities” in the
sale of four MIG-27 aircraft to Sri Lanka. In his article, he
noted that the third-party facilitating company, Bellimissa
Holdings, seemed to exist only on paper, while the GSL
claimed the deal was handled directly between the two states.
Athas published extensive details on the transaction, even
reprinting the letter of credit issued by a GSL-owned bank
for the planes.

Government Harassment and Intimidation Mount
——————————————–

¶3. (SBU) On August 14, a translation of the article
appeared in the largest-circulation Sinhala language
newspaper, owned by the same company as the Sunday Times and
Daily Mirror and generally sympathetic to the opposition.
The next day, Athas’s security detail was withdrawn by the
Government. (Note: Athas has had a government-provided
security detail for several years because of threats against
him stemming from articles critical of former President
Kumaratunga’s government.) On August 18, the police guard
stationed at his home outside of Colombo was also withdrawn.
Athas claims that these steps were taken on the explicit
instructions of Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa.

¶4. (SBU) On August 26, an article appeared in a Sinhala
paper distributed in the Colombo suburb where Athas lives,
which accused Athas of being an LTTE agent who has betrayed
vital national security information. On August 27,
demonstrators, including a local politician of the governing
Sri Lanka Freedom Party, gathered to protest in front of
Athas’s house. According to Athas, a man claiming to be a
retired Air Force officer entered the office of the Sunday
Times’ publisher the same day, sought out the
English-to-Sinhala translator, and, in a private
conversation, threatened him with death if he continued to
translate Athas’s articles. He also reportedly said Athas

COLOMBO 00001187 002 OF 002

himself would be killed if he did not stop writing and leave
the country within 90 days. The translator, however, has
since recanted his story, saying that the man did not
threaten him, but merely wanted to discuss the translation of
a book he was working on. Athas also reports that he has
been followed by men on motor bikes and that suspicious
people have been hovering around his house. He has received
warnings from his sources that he may be kidnapped and
questioned about how he obtains his information.

Concerned Parties Attempt to Intercede
————————————–

¶5. (SBU) Athas’s situation has received extensive coverage
in both local and international media. CNN is reportedly
considering contacting President Rajapaksa on his behalf.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has already sent a
strongly-worded letter to the President, which has received
broad dissemination on the Internet. The Sri Lankan Free
Media Movement issued a statement condemning the withdrawal
of Athas’s security. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe
warned at a press conference that if Athas was harmed, the
Government would be held responsible.

¶6. (SBU) Ambassador Blake telephoned Defense Secretary
Gothabaya Rajapaksa on August 24 and told him the U.S. was
concerned about Athas’s safety and that it would be bad for
Sri Lanka if anything were to happen to such a prominent
columnist. Gothabaya said “Iqbal should not worry… there
should not be any problem at all.” He noted that other
journalists had written more damning articles and survived.

¶7. (SBU) COMMENT: The GSL’s proffered explanation for the
withdrawal of Athas’s security — that it was done after a
routine assessment showed no further threat to him — will
not bear scrutiny. Clearly the articles have struck a raw
nerve. The Government is particularly sensitive to criticism
in the Sinhala papers popular among its nationalist support
base. Embassy believes that international interventions,
coupled with the glare of publicity surrounding the case,
will likely afford Athas and his family some measure of
protection. Athas is a long-time Embassy contact. We have
been in continuous touch with Athas since his situation
became precarious and are prepared to intervene again on an
urgent basis if required.
BLAKE

Related stories;

Academic Exposing Corrupt War Procurement Tender Process Threatened By Rajapaksa Government

Media Not Allowed To Cover Sumanthiran Cross-Examining Gotabaya

Press Barred Again From Covering Gotabaya’s Cross Examination In Court

Apology To Gotabaya By The Sunday Leader

Rajapaksa First Cousin’s Illegal Arms Deals: Sri Lanka To Send Investigation Team To Ukraine

Rajapaksas Siphon Off 18 Billion Dollars: Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera

Exclusive: Navy Report Reveals Shocking Details Of Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Rise – Ukraine Paid The Bills

MiG Deal: Rajapaksas Paid US$ 10 Million To A Ghost Company: “No Company Called Bellimissa” – Interpol Confirmed

A Trembling Gotabaya Appears Before FCID

Gota’s MiG Deal: Investigation Finds Secret Bank Account In British Virgin Islands

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 19
    1

    Why Robert Blake called Gota ?
    Is Blake knew Gota is the mastermind for all abduction,murder and missing?

    • 24
      1

      Everybody including Rajapakse knows that Gota is the mastermind for all abduction, murder, missing and for ransom. It is not a secret fact. The attack on Muslims, attack on Muslim mosques, the murdered of surrendered at the end of this war, bombing of hospitals, refugee camps, toruture of prisoners etc etc. are plaaned by Mahinda family and executed by Gota. I am sure even the disgraced Vasudeva and the other leftist holligans may have involved in this crimes.

  • 27
    0

    CT

    “The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeaks database dated August 30, 2007. The cable is classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” and written by the US Ambassador to Colombo Robert O. Blake. “

    “Ambassador Blake telephoned Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on August 24 and told him the U.S. was concerned about Athas’s safety and that it would be bad for Sri Lanka if anything were to happen to such a prominent columnist.:

    Wasn’t Lasntha Wickramatunga killed later on the Same story?

    Good, keep exposing these Liars, Crooks, Robbers, Criminals and Bastards.

  • 5
    26

    Please, Colombo Telegraph, make things easier for readers by stating clearly, at the beginning of the article, the date on which it was written. All this refers to happened in August 2007, didn’t it?

    therefore you are digging up the sins of the then government. Please don’t waste readers’ time; the result will be that we will skip a lot of articles that may by now have acquired a significance and interest that they did not then have.

    • 22
      0

      Sinhala_Man, when CT says WikiLeaks, it is history, we CT readers know it well. You may be a new comer to CT.

      • 6
        3

        Guna

        When we were born, we did not know much other than to cry when we were hungry or wet or in pain.

        We learned every day when we grew up.

        Sinhala_Man . had a point in that CT should have stated that it was a report from an earlier date in the First sentence.

    • 13
      1

      Sinhale_man. You’re trembling….your partner in crime was trembling at the FCID. ALL ARE TREMBLING WAITING TO SABOTAGE THE REAL TRUTH.

      HOPE ATHAS. WILL COME OUT GIVE THE. REAL EVIDENCE NEEDED TO PUT ALL THESE MASTER ROGUES IN PRISON EVEN BETTER IF CIA GETS HOLD OF THESE CROOKS AND MURDERERS.

      WHAT GOES ROUND COMES ROUND. GOD IS GREAT.

    • 2
      0

      Moday_Man

      Do you know what is ‘quote’ and ‘unquote’? Do you know why articles appear in inverted commas? It appears you are a new comer !

  • 17
    0

    always Jarapassa clan, The “Shit eating PIGs” are looking for the taste
    And they think that is world’s best.
    those Jarapassas and their stooges, who are familiar with Shit eating Habit,so there is no escape from their filthy world any more .

    When they are VOMITING all they have gulped, They must suffer the pain continuously.

    Beware Jarapassa Stooges, You all must waiting in the queue.

  • 24
    0

    Thank God this madness is now over. Er…… thank Maithri for it a million times over. Amma Pa!

  • 19
    0

    There is a lesson in all this. Gotabaya
    went after this man Athas as a result of
    his exposures. He harrassed him. The
    New York based Committee to Protect
    Journalists said death squads were after
    him.

    GR, the man with blood in his hand and
    hatred in his mind, wanted to take Athas’
    life.

    The wheel has turned. Now Athas has complained
    to the FCID and their probe is bringing out
    many revelations in the media. GR used the
    state media to the fullest to cover up his
    sins.

    This is ditta dhamma vedaneeya kamma. The
    principal sharehold of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s
    defeat at presidential election, Gotabaya
    Rajapaksa (the man with an acute inferiority
    complex) is now exposed.

    This is a good lesson for arrogant poliicians
    and state officers including parachutist Gotabaya.
    You can’t fool all the people all the time. Karma
    catches up with you.

    President Sirisena in keeping with the undertaking
    he gave probe matters like this. It is only to ensure
    the truth cannot be suppressed by brute force and
    the arrogance of power.

  • 16
    0

    Phew thank God the madness of that regime is over now

    Thanks to the brave men and women of sri lanka who stood upto the dictatorship

    also many thanks to CT jokers K A Sumanasekera,Abhaya,Ella Kolla,Jim Softly,Vibushana et al for entertaining us with their stupid comments and reasoning and made fools of themselves,it sure made our day looking at their low IQ comments and having a good laugh

  • 9
    0

    Why smart patriot DJ, HLDM, MALINDA, SHAMINDRA and the likes are silent on this matter as this is post Jan 8 period ?

  • 4
    8

    It is not news that Gota and the rest of the Rajapakse regime were barefaced robbers, but the fact that Robert Blake, the agent of the biggest imperialist crooks in history, was feigning moral outrage.

  • 1
    20

    Gota kicked the LTTE balls in right royal fashion. The MIG’s sent the Barber to high heavens with a one ton bomb while he was hunkering down in a bunker. Gota will be protected by the people. The Sinhalese will rise at the right time.

    • 7
      0

      Gotta abducted, killed, tortured and disappeared not only Tamils but Muslims and a number of Sinhalese people as well. The man is a monster, a thief, a murderer and a nasty evil man. It is not the Tamils and the Muslims who will eliminate him but the Sinhala people. The Rajapaksa family’s days are numbered. They took the people for granted and abused their power.Mark my words.

    • 5
      0

      Two of the four MIGs never took to the air , not fit to fly. Rest two depleted the airforce budget with repairs and risking the life of soldiers.

  • 11
    0

    Sinhala_ Man,
    Happy Poson Day to you.
    Guna has answered you well. CT is doing an excellent service in enlightening the SriLankans who live in SriLanka and outside Sri Lanka.

    Athas is still around so is Gothapaya. For you history has to be selective and 2007 Wikileaks report is irrelevant.
    When Mahinda Raja says he is modern Dutu Gemunu you feel proud and it is relevant. When BBS says this country belongs to Sin hales Buddhists and others are aliens you feel elated and it is relevant.

    When Prince Vijaya from Bengal /or Orissa arrived with his friends in Sri Lanka there was no Sinhala Language and Buddhism. King Devanambia Tissa was not a Buddhist until Mahinda Thero appeared on the Mhintale rock.

    Mahanama Thero’s one sided Mahavamsa is still relevant to you but not the real teachings of Gautama Buddha. POSON DAY IS A SPECIAL DAY BASED ON THE HISTORY THAT REMINDS THE TEACHING OF BUDDHA DHARMA BY VEN MAHINDA THERO.

  • 8
    0

    Non-PhD must be a PhD. There are still many people like DJ, HLDM, MALINDA, SHAMINDRA etc. etc. are supporting MR, GR & Co without shame under the patriotic (anti-tamil)cover. Patriotic card is the trump card of the crooks. They do still hold on to the dead tiger’s tail and cry wolf (rather koti). When will be the people see the sense and think rationally is the question? All sri Lankans (Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese) must invent an enemy outside the country and work against that and be patriotic to the country.

    MR & Co may have served the country (especially destroying the LTTE), but at what cost? CT is doing a great service to the nation by exposing the coruption, thanks to MS govt. for the freedom of press. At least the democracy and freedom of expression are back now. Hope Sri Lanka will have a great future.

    • 3
      0

      Alvar

      “There are still many people like DJ, HLDM, MALINDA, SHAMINDRA etc. etc. are supporting MR, GR & Co without shame under the patriotic (anti-tamil)cover. Patriotic card is the trump card of the crooks.”

      They all are cheaters, Liars, crooks, Robbers and Criminals ans shills of Mahinda rajapaksa.

      Did they cheat in their exams like Anal Rajapaksa?

  • 5
    0

    This is of course a cabbage that has been boiled several times.

    The indefatigable Iqbal tells us a lot – but not all he knows. Aye, there’s the rub. Mr Athas is a walking, ticking bomb, and his many adversaries would like to see him take up permanent residence in Jawatte (and take his secrets with him).

    But there are angels watching over our Iqbal in this world of the wicked and vengeful, so no one will make a false move.

    Every turbulent land needs an Iqbal; which is why we must keep ours safe and productive.

  • 5
    0

    CT is drawing attention to its readers the fact that Blake knew what is causing the
    Gota – Athas row then and it is only with the change of Regime the truth is being
    sought openly, over the death of so many journalist.

    Lest we forget:RECORDED LIST OF KILLINGS OF JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA WORKERS
    APRIL 2004 – MARCH 2009
    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 – Patron, Tamil News and Information Centre / 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 – killed by Army Intelligence
    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. Rasmi Mohamad – Journalist / 06 October
    2009
    32. Lasantha Wickrematunga – Editor / 08 January
    33. Punniyamurthy Sathyamurthy – Journalist / 12 February
    34. Sasi Mathan – Media worker / 06 March
    Permalink
    – See more at: http://blogs.channel4.com/miller-on-foreign-affairs/open-letter-sri-lankan-journalists/524#sthash.tYkkRfgD.dpuf

    19 Journalists Killed in Sri Lanka/ Source: Tamil H.R. ( Paris)

    Shoba, O’liveechchu
    May 18 or 19, in Mullivaikkal, Sri Lanka
    Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy, freelance
    February 12, 2009, in Mullaitheevu district, Sri Lanka
    Lasantha Wickramatunga, The Sunday Leader
    January 8, 2009, in an area outside Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Rashmi Mohamed, Sirasa TV
    October 6, 2008, in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
    Paranirupasingham Devakumar, News 1st
    May 28, 2008, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
    Suresh Linbiyo, Voice of Tigers
    November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
    T. Tharmalingam, Voice of Tigers
    November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
    Isaivizhi Chempiyan, Voice of Tigers
    November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
    Selvarajah Rajeewarnam, Uthayan
    April 29, 2007, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
    Subash Chandraboas, Nilam
    April 16, 2007, in an area near Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
    Subramaniyam Sugitharajah, Sudar Oli
    January 24, 2006, in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
    Relangi Selvarajah, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corp.
    August 12, 2005, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Dharmeratnam Sivaram, TamilNet and Daily Mirror
    April 29, 2005, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Lanka Jayasundara, Wijeya Publications
    December 11, 2004, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Bala Nadarajah Iyer, Thinamurasu and Thinakaran
    August 16, 2004, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Aiyathurai Nadesan, Virakesari
    May 31, 2004, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
    Mylvaganam Nimalarajan, BBC, Virakesari, Ravaya
    October 19, 2000, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
    Anura Priyantha, Independent Television Network
    December 18, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Indika Pathinivasan, Maharaja Television Network
    December 18, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka

    6 Journalists Killed in Sri Lanka/Motive Unconfirmed
    http://www.cpj.org/killed/terminology.php
    Sahadevan Nilakshan, Chaalaram
    August 1, 2007, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
    Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah, Namathu Eelanadu
    August 20, 2006, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
    Sampath Lakmal, Sathdina
    July 1, 2006, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Vasthian Anthony Mariyadas, Freelancer
    December 31, 1999, in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
    Atputharajah Nadarajah, Thinamurusu
    November 2, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Rohana Kumara, Satana
    September 7, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    http://www.cpj.org/killed/terminology.php

    • 0
      0

      punchinilame Thank you for the list. it is a sad indictment on our Freedom of Speech that we were once so proud of. This was the strategy used by Hitler’s mob that was then able to convince the German people they were on the right path. We owe a debt of gratitude to Maithripala Sirisena for saving us from a fate too hideous to contemplate.

  • 0
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.