President invites Channel 4 for a cuppa

Wednesday, 13 November 2013 00:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Controversial British broadcaster manages brief interaction with President Rajapaksa; asks for interview

By Dharisha Bastians The crew of Britain’s Channel 4 television, makers of controversial documentaries accusing Sri Lanka of war crimes, had a brief interaction with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as he exited the Cinnamon Grand Hotel and invited the journalists for tea in his customary affable style, yesterday.

Channel 4 Reporter Jonathan Miller accosted the President as he was leaving the hotel after inaugurating the Commonwealth Business Forum last morning. “Are you at all concerned about the accusations of war crimes against your Government?” Miller asked the President as he walked towards his motorcade. President Rajapaksa responded, “I am not concerned about anything.” When Miller asked the President if they could meet him for an interview later, he responded “Why not for tea?” before driving off. The Channel 4 crew which includes ‘No Fire Zone’ Director Callum Macrae arrived in the island on Monday to be greeted by demonstrations against their reportage of rights abuses by the Government.