By Shayne R. Burnham
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

SRI LANKA – A demonstration is set to be held on January 15 protesting the death of lead journalist and editor of the Sunday Leader, Lasantha Wickrematunge.  Reporters Without Borders supports the protest stating, “We urge the government to react quickly to end the climate of impunity in Sri Lanka and we urge Londoners to join the rally in memory of the murdered journalist, to condemn repression and the critical situation for journalists in Sri Lanka.”

The demonstration is organized by Wickrematunge’s colleagues with support from various organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders, and will be conducted outside of the prime minister of the United Kingdom’s home.  Protestors will be denouncing the killing of Wickrematunge and urging for the protection of journalists and press freedom.

While driving to work in Colombo, Wickrematunge was shot by four men on motorcycles.  Shortly after, he was taken to the Kalubowila hospitall where he died.  His death occurred only two days after a grenade attack on a private television studio in Colombo.

Wickrematunge was known as a controversial journalist who was said to be extremely critical of the Sri Lankan government.  He founded the newspaper, The Sunday Leader, with his brother in 1994.  The Leader constantly received threats and were targets of violence for speaking out against corruption, war, terrorism, organized crime and human rights violations.

His final editorial was published after his death on January 11.  He knew that he was being targeted by the government since he was in the midst of writing on a controversial story, stating, “When finally I am killed, it will be the government that kills me.”

Approximately 4,000 protestors demonstrated in Colombo on January 12 calling for justice over Wickrematunge’s death.  They shouted against the government and President Mahinda Rajapaksa.  Meanwhile, the government denies any involvement and stated that it is continuing its investigation.

For more information, please see:

Guardian – Dying for Free Speech in Sri Lanka – 12 January 2009

Reporters Without Borders – Reporters Without Borders Backs London Demonstration in Protest at Murder of Leading Editor – 15 January 2009

Sri Lanka Guardian – The Death of a Journalist – 15 January 2009