Killing of Sivaram

Premier shocked

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse in a statement yesterday said he was shocked when he heard that the veteran journalist Sivaram has been assassinated.

The statement: "Journalist Sivaram who contributed articles to the Island, Sunday Times, Daily Mirror' and the senior board member of Tamil net website was popularly known as "Tharaki".

We, who always represented a society defending democracy vehemently, condemn this dastardly killing.

We believe that any person has the rights of freedom of thoughts is freedom to choose their own views on the world, life and politics. When this thought is expressed outwardly, it becomes freedom of press, publication, assembly and association.

Freedom of thoughts and expression has been superior to other human rights. That is because the expressions of an individual is the most fundamental activity for self-fulfilment and press is an essential condition of democracy.

It appears that this despicable act is meant to retard the government's effort in establishing a lasting peace.

I instructed the IGP to investigate into this matter and to take appropriate action immediately.

Our Government is determined to ascertain that such unfortunate incidents would not occur in future.

I wish to convey my heart felt condolence and that of the Government to the family members and friends of Mr. Sivaram, and also to the public at large."

Envoy shocked

Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Akio Suda yesterday condemned the killing of senior journalist Dharmeratnam Sivaram.

He said: "I was shocked and extremely disturbed by the news of the abduction and killing of a senior journalist Dharmeratnam Sivaram. I express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his bereaved family and friends.

Whatever be the background of the perpetrators, such a heinous act should not be tolerated. Freedom of speech is the very basic component of a democratic society and should be upheld and respected by one and all.

This murder of Mr. Sivaram, a senior journalist is a blatant attack on democracy and the freedom of speech, and must not be ignored by those who advocate peace and democracy. I vehemently condemn this dastardly act and wish to state that such despicable acts will not hinder the efforts of promoting the peace process in Sri Lanka."

SLMC condemns

The abduction and murder of Tamil Net editor D. Sivaram (Taraki) which came at a time when Sri Lankan media personnel were lobbying for media reforms aimed at greater media freedom, is strongly condemned by the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) as an act of cowardice and one that would leave an indelible black mark in media freedom of Sri Lanka.