Mullaitivu Press Club (MPC) condemned the recent attacks on Sinhala journalists during anti-government protests last week.
"We strongly condemn the barbaric attacks against our fraternal Sinhala journalists," the press release said.
"The attacks directed against Tamil protesters and human rights breaches against journalists in the past who exposed the government's transgressions in the North-East, have now been unleashed against our brotherly Sinhala journalists. It causes great anguish," the statement added.
"By attacking the anti-government protests by journalists in the South, the government has demonstrated that it will suppress anyone who brings out truths related to human rights."
At least 7 Sinhala journalists were beaten by Sri Lankan security officers during a protest near the president’s residence, as reports of the assaults broke out last Friday.
"They ganged up and beat me up when I had fallen on the ground," said Sumedha Sanjeewa a freelance video journalist who was subsequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities. He said officers in uniform and civilian clothing had assaulted him.
"Besides condemning these acts that hinder the work of journalists by causing intimidation and subjecting us to torture, we appeal to those who care about journalism and international organisations to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka," the MPC added.
Despite the imposition of a 36 hour curfew, anti-government protests have erupted across the island as calls for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign continue to grow.
See the full press release below:
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