FMM urges govt. to ensure safety of journalist Tissa Ravindra Perera

The Free Press Movement (FMM) has strongly urged the government to fulfil its responsibility and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of journalist Tissa Ravindra Perera, following a reported threat to his life.

Perera, a reporter of ‘Aruna’ Sinhala language daily newspaper, had previously exposed allegations of fraud and corruption in the tendering process for cargo containers at the Colombo Port.

Perera filed a complaint with the police after receiving a threatening phone call. According to an inquiry conducted by the FMM, the individual behind the threat has been identified as ‘Kudu Lal’, who is reportedly linked to corrupt activities related to the tender procedures at the port.

The Free Press Movement has raised concerns that Perera’s life may be in danger. The journalist’s investigations revealed significant income lost by the government due to these corrupt and illegal transactions. It is suspected that officials associated with the port may also be involved in these activities. The Free Press Movement has called on the government, which came to power with promises to combat corruption, to take immediate action to protect journalists like Tissa Ravindra Perera. The organisation emphasised that safeguarding the lives of journalists who expose corruption is crucial to ensuring the freedom of the press and upholding democratic values.