Security for journalists only if needed - Gotabhaya

by Norman Palihawadana
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said he was prepared to provide security to journalists who needed it under special circumstances.
He told The Island that he was not prepared to act on statements made by politicians but was prepared to do his duty by anyone who needed security, especially journalists.
"My duty is not only to protect journalists but also to protect the lives and property of all the citizens of the country," he said.
When asked about the attack on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Trade Union leader Anurasiri Hettige he said that he had no knowledge that there would be an attack on Hettige, but if he had been given a list of SLRC employees who faced security threats he could protect such persons.
He said making allegations against the government for isolated incidents of attacks on journalists was a fruitless exercise as the government policy was clear that journalists should be free of threats.