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The murder of Lasantha Wickremetunge and Sri Lanka’s future
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by Sanjanah | January 11, 2009 at 10:20 am
291 views | 12 Recommendations | 2 comments
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The Editor in Chief of the Sunday Leader and one of Sri Lanka’s best known journalists Lasantha Wickremetunge was murdered this morning en route to work. He was shot repeatedly and succumbed to his injuries at around 2.15pm. The murder of Lasantha comes just two days after after the arson attack against private TV broadcaster MBC / MTV networks that destroyed their Main Control Room and studios.
On both counts, the Rajapakse administration points to some mysterious armed force hell bent on discrediting the government. It has done what it does best - expressed outrage, ordered a full investigation and appointed a committee to investigate the attacks.
The assassination of Lasantha Wickremetunge has sent those in support of democracy and media freedom in Sri Lanka into shock. They are very much on the back foot against violence that with complete impunity is quelling dissent and independent media.
Watch the video and read the responses to Lasantha's slaying on Groundviews here.
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Sanjanah
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 16:32 on January 11th, 2009
Sanjanah, thank you for this story. Although I am taking the liberty of linking your related story, "Killing dissent: Lasantha, violence and impunity", please feel free to update your story to include this link at the end of it. Thanks!
at 22:58 on January 11th, 2009
What an absolute bloody tragedy - it is so rare to find writing of Lasantha's calibre - given the dismal state that the English language is in Sri Lanka - and continuing downhill - but the sincerity and accuracy of his reports made the man even more of a legend. Shame on you Sri Lanka for letting this happen - and to the perpetrators - remember, the mill of God grinds slowly ... surely your turn will come ..