Several journalists have faced death threats and intimidation after reporting on the murder of a British tourist in southern Town of Tangella on the 24th of December.
Eyewitnesses have reported that Sampath Vidanapathirana, chairman of the Tangalle Pradesheeya Sabha (regional council), had been seen arguing with the couple at the Nature restaurant in Medilla, shortly before the attack took place.
The victim, 27-year old International Committee of the Red Cross volunteer Kuram Shaikah Zaman, died after being shot at and stabbed with a sharp weapon. A woman, reported to be the victim’s 24-year old wife, was also being treated in hospital for injuries, after the attack.
Following the murder, local journalists who reported on the incident began to receive death threats according to Sunil Jayasekara, convenor of the Free Media Movement.
No arrests have been made so far.
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