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Former Lakmina publisher complains of death threats

by Rashomi Silva

Ajith Gallage, former publisher of the SLFP organ Lakmina has complained of death threats to him from a group led by Ruwan Ferdinandez, one time JVP activist and a close confidante of JVP propaganda secretary Wimal weerawansa.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo Gallage who is also the publisher of Nijabima said the death threats started coming after he refused to print the Lakmina due to outstanding payments.

"By the end of May Lakmina had an outstanding printing bill for over 1.2 million. I explained to them that it was not possible to continue printing the paper unless this amount was settled",. Cheques to the value of over Rs 170,000/- issued by Sripathi Suriyarchchi, SLFP Kalaniya organiser from his personal account in a private bank also bounced, he said adding "I refused further printing".

It was in this backdrop that he started receiving death threats from this group led by Ferdinandez, who was also a coordinating secretary to PA stalwart Mangala Samaraweera. He had allegedly telephoned Gallage him on Thursday night abusing him in foul language and threatening to kill him and burn his printing press in Kotte.

"I was distinctly able to recognise the voice of Ruwan Ferdinandez and also those of Isham Mohomad, a leading journalist in Lakmina, Sripathi Suriyarachchi, PremaJayanth Kasthuriarchchi, a Colombo Municipal councillor, and Rathna Gamage," he said.

Responding to a query on the accusation against PA Gampha district MP Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Gallage said he was expecting to write a letter to the MP tendering his apologies for the pain of mind caused to him by the article in question.

"We know that Lakmina lied, I am only the publisher, what I do is merely put to print what is brought to me," he added.

Sarath Wanniararchchi, a Nijabima journalist and a former Lakmina journalist said people backed by elements like Ferdinandez are trying to destroy the media freedom in this country. "We are free media personnel and trying to disclose the truth to our readers, but these elements make false charges against us.

They are trying to create divisions within the PA and make the situation favourable to the government," he said.

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