Lasantha honoured in US House of Representatives

Lasantha honoured in US House of Representatives

Slain Sunday Leader Editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge was honoured by Congressman Adam Schiff last Thursday on the Floor of the United States House of Representatives by reading excerpts of his last editorial.

Schiff is one of the co-founders of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press. Since its inception in 2006, the caucus has highlighted the importance of free expression around the world.

“I rise today to honour, Lasantha Wickrematunge, a brave journalist who was gunned down while driving to work in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Threats, attacks, and murders of journalist are becoming all too common in Sri Lanka. Wickrematunge knew the dangers well, but courageously continued reporting,” he said.

Schiff also read excerpts of his final editorial published posthumously. Meanwhile, Britain last week also joined in condemning the killing of Wickrematunge.

British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, David Miliband in a statement last week condemned the killing of Wickrematunge and said that it was the duty of the authorities to take prompt action into these incidents.

“We condemn such brazen attacks. Of particular concern was the murder, on January 8, of the Chief Editor of The Sunday Leader newspaper, Lasantha Wickrematunge. The Sri Lankan authorities have a duty to take prompt action to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation is carried out,” Miliband said.

He also pointed out the reports of abductions and disappearances in the country.

“There continue to be reports of abductions, disappearances and acts of violence and intimidation in Sri Lanka. Without strong mechanisms for independent human rights reporting, it is difficult to assess the true scope of the problem,” he said.

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