EU Presidency Statement on the killing of Mr Lasantha Wickramatunga, Chief Editor of the Sunday Leader
The Presidency of the European Union strongly condemns the brutal murder of the respected Sri Lankan journalist, Chief Editor of the Sunday Leader, Mr Lasantha Wickramatunga, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 8 January 2009.
This action deprived Sri Lanka of a person who had contributed greatly to freedom of the media and diversity of opinion in Sri Lanka. The European Union sends its condolences to Mr Wickramatunga´s family, friends and colleagues.
The EU Presidency expresses its deep concern that this and other recent acts of violence and intimidation against media and journalists, including those against the studios of the MTV/Sirasa TV and Radio in Colombo, go against the basic principles of democracy.
The Presidency calls on the authorities of Sri Lanka to investigate all acts of violence and intimidation against the media, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Last update: 16.8.2011 15:55
