NY Times condemns intimidation of its Lankan journalists

The New York Times (NYT), embroiled in a controversy over the expose of alleged payments by Chinese firms to former President Mahindra Rajapaksa’s political campaign, yesterday condemned intimidation against two Sri Lankan journalists who had contributed to their report.

In a statement NYT International Editor Michael Slackman said: “A group of Sri Lankan Parliamentarians allied with the former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, held a news conference to publicly criticise two journalists who contributed logistical assistance to a rigorously reported and accurate New York Times investigation into the Hambantota Port, published on 26 June.

“It is unacceptable for journalists to be intimidated in this way. This action appears intended to silence critics and curb press freedoms, and ultimately deprive Sri Lankans of information in the public interest.

The Times expects the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the safety of journalists working for our — or any — news organisation.

“If Mr. Rajapaksa takes issue with Times reporting, we have encouraged him to contact senior editors at The New York Times rather than intimidating Sri Lankan journalists.”