Journalists debarred

Indika Polkotuwa

When opposition Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka arrived at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic the media was debarred from entering the precincts and covering the event by his security officers.

A large number of journalists representing various media institutions present on the occasion were aghast at the indifference shown by officers providing security to Fonseka.

When journalists questioned why they were prevented from covering the event the security officers said they were acting on orders given by higher echelons. Many journalists present said this clearly indicated what was in store for them if such candidate was elected to power.

When journalists complained to Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara about the matter he said journalists are given media passes by Maligawa authorities to cover events at the Maligawa without hindrance or restriction and no one else has powers to overrule it.