SAFMA Sri Lanka notes with concern the attack on an executive committee member and provincial reporter during a demonstration against the fuel price hike by the fisher community in Chilaw, on Wednesday the 15th of February. Prasad Purnimal was covering the event for the media when he was attacked by unknown persons. He is currently being treated for his injuries.
Incidents of this nature involving journalists who are engaged in their legitimate duty of informing the public is a continuing concern. SAFMA Sri Lanka calls upon the law enforcement agencies to conduct meaningful investigations into this and other similar incidents against the media and journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice.
We also urge all news organizations to take necessary action to provide survival training, insurance coverage and appropriate safety equipment to journalists who are assigned to cover situations where violence may occur.
SAFMA Sri Lanka is one of 8 chapters of the South Asian Free Media Association in the region with a network of members comprising media practitioners and others working towards media excellence in South Asia.
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