It was an inside job – Hulugalle
Director General of the Media Center for National Security (MCNS), Lakshman Hulugalle said that initial Police investigations into the attack on the Uthayan office in Jaffna had revealed that it was an ‘inside job’.
“There is nothing new in this attack- this is the same tactic used by the LTTE. Initial investigations have revealed that it is an inside job to tarnish the image of the government and the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya issuing a statement rejected the speculation that the military was involved in the attack.
Following is the full statement
PRESS RELEASE
RE: ALLEGATIONS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE MILITARY WITH REGARDS TO AN ATTACK ON UDAYAN PRINTING PRESS IN JAFFNA
There is a widespread speculation regarding the attack that has taken place in Jaffna at the Udayan printing press in early hours today (13 April 2013). Some speculate that the Military was involved in either carrying out or supporting this attack. We reject such allegations.
It is reiterated that the Sri Lankan Military Forces are duty bound to protect the constitutional rights. The freedom of expression is one of the guaranteed rights. The Military has no requirement to engage in acts against freedom of expression.
There are a large number of different media institutions in Sri Lanka and anyone following what is published/broadcasted/telecasted would know that criticism on Government as well as Military are very common. Except a handful of media institutions the vast majority are privately owned. In the recent past it is only Udayan which is owned by a Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian (who is actively campaigning against the Government and the Military in the north and east) that allegedly faced numerous forms of harassment. This is an interesting phenomenon.
There are several other publications in Jaffna and elsewhere (published in all three languages) that level harsh criticism on the Government as well as the Military but there are no allegations of harassment. Why is it only Udayan?
According to preliminary investigations carried out by the authorities the damage caused by the latest attack is not excessive. Only three paper rolls are partially burnt along with few papers, no damage to any printing machines, and power supply has been interrupted due to heat. When power is restored the paper can resume its operations, perhaps today itself.
As things appear, it is obvious that the publicity gained by the paper through this alleged attack on its printing press is enormous. The local as well as international political mileage that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), as well as other international pro LTTE organizations propagating the ideology of establishing a separate state in Sri Lanka, gain by way of discrediting the Government and Military is much greater than the physical damage. This publicity will surely be used by them to support their widespread claims that international interference is essential for local reconciliation.
We refute speculations of any Military involvement on attack on Udayan in Jaffna.
(Courtesy: DM Online)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Puttalam Quazi Court Judge arrested for alleged Bribery April 24, 2024
- Sri Lanka implements special traffic plans for Iranian President’s visit April 24, 2024
- Chinese Communist Party delegation meets Anura Kumara April 23, 2024
- Chamari Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings April 23, 2024
- General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways H.M.K.W. Bandara passes away April 23, 2024
It is clear beyond any reasonable doubt that the “destruction” of the Udayan newspaper is a carefully calculated act to bring disrepute on the Armed Forces.
The Tamil speaking citizens should be eternally grateful to the armed forces for the protection it offers 24X7 and also, the tens of thousands of soldiers who laid down their lives to free the Tamil speaking citizens from the clutches of evil terrorists.
The tamil speaking citizens should integrate with the majority peace loving citizens and march together towards triumph, truth and eternal bliss through the adoption of a superior Buddhist way of life.
Truth is the casualty.
Nobody believes the liars.That is when happens when you lie too much. Nobody believes you even when you tell the truth, if that is the truth.
Once upon a time: ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’
A Shepherd is watching his sheep. He tries to count them. But they won’t stand still and he’s getting very bored. He comes up with a game to attract the villager’s attention. He shouts ‘wolf!!” and when they hear his cry they drop everything and come running. When they get to the field they soon realise there is no wolf. They go back to the village. The boy does the same again and shouts ‘wolf!!”. This time the villagers come a little slower, and are annoyed again to find there is no wolf. When a real wolf appears and chases the boy he cries out, but the villagers think it’s just a game and do not come to his rescue, so the wolf gets a decent meal.
The problem is these folks never give up. they’re very consistent in their operation of disrupting the Armed Forces, to build up illusion that the country is being cruel to Tamils (Eg.ex-LTTE news readers statement seeking asylum in UAE), free media and ethnic and religious minorities so that (short term) can get the International community to poke at the Northern Election (whatever the outcome).
Long-term to topple MR regime and get a power staved Government which would back their demands and merge North & East again and establish Elam.
Battle is not yet over, it is very well in existence (with new elements added to it), much work yet to be done for a totally free country for the next few generations…