Interim Chairman's attitude condemned

Condemned: Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association strongly condemn the humiliating statement made by SLC Interim Committee Chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa when sports editor of Lakbima questioned him on current affairs.

SLWJA states that a press conference is held to brief the media on issues that need publicity. It also does not mean that the journalists have to be silent and write only what transpires from the head table. Journalists have the right to question at all times. This has to be understood by the convenors.

The statement also calls upon the SLC Interim Committee Chairman to make a public apology. Further it adds that persons who are not capable of facing questions from the press at functions of this nature should not accept these high ranking positions as it does not help him nor the organisation that he represent.

Ranjan Paranavithana the journalist who had to face this humiliation said that if the persons who cannot face situations of this kind should refrain from sitting on head tables or should not invite the press for their activities.