Three Journalists Released in Sri Lanka as Military Man Appointed to SLRC

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned that Sri Lanka’s Government has appointed a recently retired army Major General to a senior position at the troubled state broadcaster, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).
The appointment came as authorities released three journalists who had been held without charge for almost two weeks. Two other journalists arrested at the same time remain in custody.
According to IFJ affiliate the Free Media Movement (FMM), Maj. Gen. Sunil Silva has been appointed as Additional Deputy Director General, Administration, at SLRC. FMM reports this is a newly created post.
Maj. Gen. Sunil Silva was head of the Army Signals Regiment before retiring officially on January 18, 2008. He is expected to assume his duties in coming days.
The appointment follows threatened strike action by staff at SLRC to demand protection in the face of a series of threats and attacks on staff allegedly linked to a melee at the station’s office on December 27, when Labour Minister Mervyn Silva assaulted SLRC news director TMG Chandrasekara.
Meanwhile, the IFJ welcomed the release on March 19 of three journalists and media workers associated with www.outreachsl.com. However, it remained extremely concerned for the safety and well-being of two other people connected with www.outreachsl.com who remain in custody.
The three who were released are journalist K. Wijesingha, cameraman Ranga Lasanatha and visual editor Udayanan. They were arrested by the Terrorist Information Department (TID) between March 7 and 8.
Journalist J.S Tissainayagam, editor of www.outreachsl.com, and N. Jasiharan, the owner of E-Kwality Printers and a writer for the website, are still detained.