Channel-4 journalists sent back to Colombo

Protest Vs Callum Macrae Anuradhapura Railway Station

Channel -4 journalists including Callum Macrae, who were heading to the North were sent back to Colombo in a special vehicle by the police saying it was being done for security reasons after their train was blocked at Anuradhapura Railway Station by a group of protesters.

Meanwhile Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the safety of the Channel 4 journalists was of paramount importance and that travel restrictions would be imposed taking into account their safety.

“The safety of the journalists is of paramount importance. Despite repeated calls to stop them from coming here, the government took a courageous decision and gave them the visas and therefore it is our duty to ensure their safety,” he said.

The minister said he was not aware of the ground situation in Anuradhapura and could not comment whether the train would be allowed to proceed to Vavuniya as scheduled.

“I don’t know what the ground situation is, but if there is any threat to their safety we will take necessary measures to bring them back and impose travel restrictions to ensure their safety,” he said.

(Courtesy: DM Online)