John defends his action; claims some abusing newfound press freedom

Under scrutiny for allegedly threatening a journalist at his private residence in Kandana on 8 June, Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga claimed that the journalists attended the event uninvited. 

The incident caught on camera shows Amaratunga threatening a regional reporter of a news channel using foul language, seemingly irritated after a question from the journalist. 

After the incident was reported by electronic media, the Minister issued a statement offering clarification on the incident. 

Claiming that no journalists were invited to the meeting between him and area residents regarding the garbage disposal issue, Amaratunga said the reporters present “were continuously interrupting the discussion and insulting both the President and the Prime Minister”. 

“As the meeting ended and I was leaving the premises these individuals tried their best to drag me in to an argument by continuously asking provocative questions even though I answered them initially. As any human being would react I told them to stop asking such questions as they were clearly unaware of the real facts pertaining to the garbage issue in the area,” the statement said.

Claiming that the reporters present had a hidden agenda, Amaratunga said he was “compelled to ask them to leave”.

“It is pertinent to note that the newfound press freedom is being abused by a section of the media who have no respect for the truth or basic decency. These so-called journalists are tarnishing the good image of the established media through their reckless actions. While regretting the way things turned out, I hope the media will act responsibly to protect the new found freedom which we have fought and won for them,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Young Journalists’ Association wrote to the Inspector General of Police urging the department to conduct an impartial inquiry into the incident and take action against the wrongdoers.

Issuing a statement to condemn the incident the Free Media Movement said a number of incidents where politicians and other officials including law enforcement authorities obstructed journalists from doing their work had been reported in the past as well. Stressing that the situation is aggravating, as no serious action has been taken against the perpetrators in the past, the FMM urged the President and the Minister of Media to take action against the Minister, his supporters and Police constables who were involved in the incident.