CJE condemns attempted assault on photojournalist at Colombo High Court

Saturday, 11 July 2020 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Centre for Journalism and Education (CJE) strongly condemns former OIC of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) Neomal Rangajeewa attempting to assault photojournalist Akila Jayawardana, at the Colombo High Court premises. Rangajeewa is a defendant of a case, which alleges his involvement in the killing of inmates at Welikada prison in 2012. Jayawardana, who was on the high court premises to cover another court case, clicked a photo of Rangajeewa’s arrival. An irate Rangajeewa grabbed Jayawardana by the collar and took him to the police post established at the Colombo High Court.

Jayawardana had lodged a complaint saying that Rangajeewa attempted to assault him at the police post and that Rangajeewa tried to take memory chips containing his photos. Taking photos of parties involved in important cases, at the court premises, is a standard practice in journalism and Rangajeewa, who also gives evidence at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on political victimisation during the previous government, at BMICH hobnobs freely with journalists after PCoI sessions and photos showing his arrival at the PCoI, which have been widely circulated throughout media.

Therefore, Jayawardana taking a photo of Rangajeewa doesn’t affect the personal security of the former OIC of the Police Narcotics Bureau. Relevant officials must immediately investigate Jayawardana’s complaint and take steps against Rangajeewa, lest this sets a bad precedent and embolden others like him.

The Centre for Journalism and Education is dedicated to the development of journalism in Sri Lanka. A non-partisan and non-profit organisation, its aim is to create an ethical, innovative and sustainable journalistic practice across the island, because ‘good journalism leads to healthier societies’.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.